Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has voiced strong support for Babar Azam’s return to the T20 format. Despite being one of the leading run-scorers in T20 internationals, Babar has been absent from the shortest format since December last year, when Pakistan toured South Africa. He was also left out of the squad for the ongoing Asia Cup 2025, as selectors opted to test younger players ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.
Why Akram Wants Babar Back
Speaking about team selection, Akram emphasized Babar’s value in tough situations.
“Imagine chasing 150 or 160 on a difficult pitch-Babar’s presence can make all the difference,” Akram said. “He may need to adjust his game slightly, but having a batter like him in those moments is crucial.”
Past Performance with Rizwan
Akram acknowledged that Pakistan relied heavily on the opening partnership of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan over the past four to five years. While the pair produced strong performances, Akram noted that their consistency did not always meet expectations, which is why the selectors have now decided to give emerging players more opportunities.
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Praise for the Current Squad
Despite pushing for Babar’s return, Akram also praised the current Pakistan squad and captain Salman Ali Agha. He highlighted their bold approach and expressed confidence in their ability to compete with, and even defeat, top international teams regularly.
The Bigger Picture
Babar Azam remains the second-highest run-scorer in T20 internationals, which makes his exclusion a point of debate among fans and experts alike. While selectors are focused on building a younger core for the 2026 T20 World Cup, Akram believes experience and stability from a player of Babar’s caliber could prove vital in pressure situations.