With the Asia Cup looming and Pakistan facing uncertainty over its top-order options, legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has thrown his weight behind Babar Azam, urging selectors to recall the experienced batter for the upcoming assignments to fill the gap.
Babar, who last featured in a T20I for Pakistan in December 2024 against South Africa, has fallen out of favour under Mike Hesson and his predecessors amid ongoing debates over his strike rate and role in the shortest format. Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan, and Saim Ayub have been the team’s options for the opening spots in recent months. However, with Fakhar sidelined due to injury and no timetable issued for his return, the call for experience and stability in Pakistan’s batting order has gained momentum, and Akram is among those leading the charge.
In an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, the former Pakistan captain made a strong case for Babar’s inclusion, citing his track record as a key reason. “If I had the authority, I’d bring him back without hesitation,” said Akram. “We’re heading into back-to-back global events — the Asia Cup and the World Cup — and we need a senior pro who can anchor the innings and guide the team in pressure situations.”
Babar’s strike-rate issues are the main reason he has been away from the team, but Wasim Akram sees them as merely an excuse.
Wasim Akram pointed to Babar Azam’s stint with Somerset in the 2019 Vitality Blast, where he scored heavily with a strike rate close to 150, as proof that the right-hander can shift gears when required. “People forget that he’s adjusted his game before. He knows how to read the match situation and adapt accordingly. That’s a quality few possess,” he added.
While acknowledging recent criticism over Babar’s form — the former skipper has gone 10 T20Is without a fifty, averaging 26, and has struggled to reach double figures in three of his last five innings — Akram remains confident in the batter’s class. “Every top player goes through lean patches. It’s not about numbers right now; it’s about what he brings to the side. His experience, temperament, and skill can’t be ignored,” Akram asserted.
While Pakistan’s T20I team has shifted to a more youth-centric formula, Babar remains in the team’s plans when needed. Babar will finally see some action with the national team during the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies, and a strong showing in the Caribbean could help change the selectors’ minds.
Whether selectors will heed Akram’s call remains to be seen, but with Pakistan facing stern challenges in the Asia Cup and beyond, experience might yet prove to be a crucial asset — and Babar Azam, at 30, still has plenty to offer.