Key Points
- Akram believes Babar’s experience and adaptability are crucial for Pakistan
- Despite recent form dips, Akram insists Babar can still anchor chases and bring leadership stability to the T20 lineup
ISLAMABAD: With the Asia Cup 2025 on the horizon and the T20 World Cup looming large, Pakistan’s cricket icon Wasim Akram has stepped up, urging selectors to bring back Babar Azam into Pakistan’s T20I squad.
The former left-arm pace maestro, known as the “Sultan of Swing,” in an interview with a local sports platform, said that Babar’s class and experience are too valuable to ignore in high-stakes tournaments.
“If I had the authority, I would definitely include Babar Azam in the national T20 team,” said Akram. “He can adapt to any situation – just look back at his Somerset stint in 2019, where he struck at nearly 150.”
A voice for experience in a youth-focused era
Babar, who last donned Pakistan’s T20I colours in December 2024 against South Africa, was dropped after a run of inconsistent form marked by a strike rate dip and no half-centuries in his last 10 matches. Yet, Akram believes form is temporary and class, eternal.
“In tournaments like the Asia Cup and World Cup, you need a senior player who can steady the innings and carry the team through pressure situations. Babar has done it before, and he can do it again,” Akram insisted.
Tactics and trust
The 59-year-old legend, who has witnessed countless high-stakes matches, emphasised that Babar’s presence in the dressing room offers more than just runs; it provides calm leadership, technical finesse, and the ability to anchor tricky chases.
“Whether you’re chasing 140 or 160, especially against top teams, you need someone who can bat deep and guide the rest. Babar is still one of the world’s best. He just needs support.”
As for where he sees Babar in the batting order? “Number three suits him best,” Akram said. “But it depends on the situation. The coach can decide, Babar is flexible enough to play wherever needed.”
The road back
While Babar’s recent form has drawn criticism – including a three-match spell where he didn’t reach double digits – his overall credentials still command respect. Once the golden boy of Pakistan cricket, his last captaincy role ended with the 2024 T20 World Cup, after a disappointing campaign led the PCB to prioritize a younger squad.
