Asia Cup 2025: Wasim Akram Wants Babar Azam Back in Pakistan T20I Squad
As the ACC Asia Cup 2025 approaches next month, legendary Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram has urged the national selectors to bring back Babar Azam into the T20I setup. Under the current leadership of coach Mike Hesson, both Babar and fellow senior batter Mohammad Rizwan have been excluded from recent T20I plans, signaling a transition toward younger players.
But with back-to-back major tournaments looming—the Asia Cup followed by the ICC T20 World Cup 2026—Akram believes experience matters more than experimentation.
“I’d Have Babar in My Team” – Wasim Akram
Speaking on a local sports channel, Akram didn’t mince words when asked about Babar’s T20I future:
“If I had my way, Babar Azam would definitely be in the T20 team. Big tournaments are coming, and you need someone who stays calm under pressure.”
Akram acknowledged the current selection direction but emphasized the importance of senior players in high-pressure situations, especially as Pakistan look to regain stability after recent underwhelming campaigns.
A Look Back: Babar in Asia Cup 2023
Statistically, Babar had a solid run in the 2023 Asia Cup, scoring 207 runs at an average of 51.75 with a strike rate of 97.64. However, Akram—and others—have pointed out that these numbers were inflated by a single standout knock: 151 runs against Nepal, a team with a relatively inexperienced bowling attack.
Still, Akram believes Babar’s overall value goes beyond numbers. His calm demeanor and composure make him a crucial presence, especially in the middle order.
Where Should Babar Bat?
When asked about Babar’s ideal position in the lineup, the 59-year-old legend was diplomatic:
“The coach can decide where Babar bats. Personally, I think number three suits him best, but it depends on the match situation. If there are many overs left, someone else can go in first.”
Babar’s T20I Form: Cause for Concern?
Recent form, however, has not favored Babar. In his last 10 T20Is, he has managed just 236 runs at an average of 26, without a single half-century. This dip in performance was a factor in his removal as captain after Pakistan’s disappointing run in the 2024 T20 World Cup, prompting the PCB to focus on youth development.
Akram’s Message: Don’t Count Out the Veterans
Despite form and age being debated, Akram’s stance is clear: big tournaments need big players. He believes Babar Azam still has a lot to offer, especially with his vast experience and ability to handle pressure.
As Pakistan gears up for Asia Cup 2025, the question remains—will the selectors bring Babar back, or will they continue backing youth? Only time will tell, but Wasim Akram has made his choice clear.
The Bigger Picture: Form vs. Future
As Pakistan prepares for the Asia Cup 2025, the debate over Babar Azam’s potential return highlights a deeper conversation in the cricketing world—experience versus evolution.
Some analysts and fans argue that bringing back seasoned campaigners like Babar could restore stability, structure, and leadership—especially in high-pressure tournaments where calm heads often prevail. Others advocate for a more progressive route, believing that backing young talent will inject energy and freshness into Pakistan’s T20 setup, helping the team evolve with modern demands.
This clash of perspectives reflects an ongoing dilemma for Pakistan cricket:
How do you honor the past while building for the future?
A Defining Test for Pakistan Cricket’s Vision
The decision to recall Babar Azam isn’t just about one player—it’s a test of Pakistan’s strategic direction. Will the selectors value experience and composure in the short term, or continue investing in a youth-driven rebuild?
With the Asia Cup 2025 on the horizon and the T20 World Cup 2026 just a year away, Wasim Akram’s public support for Babar isn’t just commentary—it’s a reminder of how crucial balanced leadership is in a transitional phase.
Ultimately, the final squad selection will likely be a careful compromise—blending form, fitness, experience, and future potential. One thing is certain: whatever the decision, it will shape the narrative for Pakistan cricket’s next chapter.
