Babar Azam Likely Returning to Pakistan’s T20I Squad

Babar Azam’s exile from Pakistan’s T20I team is likely to come to an end soon, with reports in local media suggesting that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) will recall the batter ahead of the 2025 Asia Cup.

BBN Sports has made the sensational claim that Babar is on track for a return to Pakistan’s T20I side—but the comeback isn’t a given just yet. According to sources close to team management, the former captain has been informed that a national recall will depend on two key factors: an impactful showing in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL) and a noticeable improvement in his strike rate.

The message is clear—performance will dictate selection, not reputation.

Babar, who will once again lead Peshawar Zalmi in PSL 10 starting April 11, is under the spotlight not just as a captain, but as a top-order batter whose T20 game has come under scrutiny in recent times. While his technical quality and consistency remain unquestioned, it’s his approach—particularly his scoring rate—that has raised concerns in a format that increasingly demands power, and adaptability.

It was these very concerns that led to his exclusion from Pakistan’s T20I squad late last year. Despite being on the precipice of becoming the all-time leading run-scorer in the format, Babar Azam has not featured in a T20I since December 2024, with selectors and decision-makers signaling a shift toward a more aggressive style of play. His strike rate, hovering in the high 120s, was viewed as incompatible with modern T20 demands—especially when occupying the crucial top-order role.

His replacements haven’t delivered either, which may help his case for a return. Mohammad Haris and Hasan Nawaz have failed to make a lasting impression despite brief flashes of promise. With Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman also returning, Babar could potentially slot in at No. 3 or No. 4 to add stability to a middle order that was exposed during the recent series against New Zealand.

Now, with the ICC T20 World Cup looming next year and the Asia Cup later this year, the door is ajar for Babar Azam’s return to the T20I setup—but it won’t swing open unless he delivers the kind of dynamic performances selectors want to see.

Inside the Zalmi camp, the 30-year-old remains the central figure. His leadership will be vital, but so too will be the tempo he sets with the bat. In previous PSL editions, Babar has consistently ranked among the top run-scorers but has often faced criticism for his relatively conservative strike rate. That number will need to climb if he’s to convince selectors that he belongs back in Pakistan’s shortest-format plans.

There’s little doubt about Babar’s pedigree—his elegance and timing are rare commodities—but in T20 cricket, stats and intent increasingly speak louder than names. For Babar Azam, PSL 10 is more than just another tournament; it’s an audition for redemption, a chance to prove he can blend class with intent, and reclaim his place on Pakistan’s biggest stage.