Former Pakistan cricketer Wasim Akram (proper) interacts with captain Babar Azam throughout the rain break of their ACC Males’s Asia Cup 2023 Tremendous 4 match in opposition to India on the R Premdasa Stadium in Colombo on September 10, 2023. — AFP
Underscoring the necessity for a seasoned participant in Pakistan’s batting lineup for the upcoming Asia Cup 2025, cricket legend Wasim Akram on Thursday referred to as for Babar Azam’s return to the nationwide T20 squad.
Talking in a latest interview with a neighborhood sports activities platform, Akram expressed his sturdy assist for the senior batter’s return to the T20 setup.
“If I had the authority, I would definitely include Babar Azam in the national T20 team,” Akram said.
“The Asia Cup and then the World Cup are approaching, and we need a senior batter. Fans may recall that when he represented Somerset in 2019, he scored runs at nearly a 150 strike rate. He has the ability to adapt his batting according to the situation,” he added.
The previous left-arm pacer careworn the significance of expertise in high-pressure matches, significantly in main tournaments, and highlighted Babar’s skill to anchor run-chases.
“When we’re chasing 140 or 160, especially against big teams, we need someone who can take responsibility and carry the other 10 players along with him. Babar is among the world’s best players,” he stated.
“He adjusts his game to the format and match situation — he’s done it in the past and can do it in the future as well. Babar still has a lot of cricket left in him and can achieve much for Pakistan. We all need to support him,” he added.
When requested about Babar’s very best place within the batting lineup, the 59-year-old shared his tactical perspective.
“The coach can play Babar at any position he wants. In my opinion, number three is ideal for him, but it will depend on the situation. If there are more overs left, someone else could also go in to bat first,” he concluded.
It’s pertinent to say that Babar’s latest type in T20Is has been below scrutiny. In his final 10 matches, he scored 236 runs at a median of 26 with no single half-century.
Notably, he failed to succeed in double figures in three of his final 5 innings.
For the unversed, the 30-year-old final led the nationwide crew throughout the 2024 T20 World Cup, the place Pakistan’s disappointing marketing campaign led the PCB to prioritise youth growth.
