Legendary Pakistan pacer Wasim Akram has voiced strong support for Babar Azam’s return to the national T20I setup, despite the star batter’s exclusion from the Asia Cup 2025 squad. Speaking to reporters and in multiple media interactions, Akram expressed disappointment over the decision to leave Babar out and emphasized that Pakistan needs his experience and composure in high-pressure tournaments like the Asia Cup and the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Babar Azam, who was Pakistan’s T20I captain until early 2024, has faced criticism over his strike rate and middle-order role. However, Akram believes that the team’s current transition phase should not come at the cost of sidelining its most consistent performer.
“If I had the authority, I would definitely include Babar Azam in the T20 team. With the Asia Cup and then the World Cup coming up, we will need his class and experience,” Akram said during a panel discussion.
🧭 Timeline of Babar Azam’s T20I Career and Asia Cup Snub
| Year / Event | Description | Outcome / Reaction |
|---|---|---|
| 2022–2023 | Pakistan’s T20I captain | Led team to Asia Cup final and T20 WC semis |
| Jan 2024 | Removed as T20I captain | Leadership handed to Salman Ali Agha |
| Aug 2025 | Asia Cup squad announced without Babar Azam | Fans and experts express shock |
| Sept 2025 | Wasim Akram calls for Babar’s return | Sparks debate over selection strategy |
The exclusion has triggered widespread debate over Pakistan’s T20I direction and selection policies.
🔍 Babar Azam’s T20I Stats vs Current Squad Members
| Player Name | Matches | Runs | Avg | Strike Rate | 50+ Scores | Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | 104 | 3,485 | 41.2 | 129.4 | 30 | Top-order |
| Salman Ali Agha | 18 | 412 | 27.4 | 134.6 | 3 | Middle-order |
| Saim Ayub | 12 | 278 | 23.1 | 142.2 | 2 | Opener |
| Azam Khan | 20 | 315 | 19.6 | 138.9 | 1 | Finisher |
While Babar’s strike rate has been a point of contention, his consistency and experience remain unmatched.
📉 Pakistan’s T20I Performance Without Babar Azam (2024–2025)
| Series / Tournament | Result | Top Run-Scorer | Team Avg Score | Outcome Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tri-Series (UAE, AFG) | Champions | Salman Ali Agha | 162 | Strong bowling, shaky top-order |
| T20I vs England | Lost 2–1 | Azam Khan | 148 | Middle-order collapse |
| T20I vs Bangladesh | Won 3–0 | Saim Ayub | 172 | Dominated weaker attack |
Pakistan’s batting has lacked stability in crunch moments, especially against top-tier teams.
🔥 Why Wasim Akram Wants Babar Back
- Experience in ICC Events: Babar has played in three T20 World Cups and two Asia Cups, with over 1,000 runs in ICC tournaments.
- Anchor Role: Akram believes Babar’s ability to anchor innings is vital in pressure matches.
- Leadership Presence: Even without captaincy, Babar’s presence boosts morale and tactical depth.
- Fan Connect: Babar remains Pakistan’s most followed cricketer, with massive fan support globally.
Akram’s endorsement is seen as a push for selectors to reconsider their youth-heavy strategy.
🧠 Expert Commentary on Babar Azam’s Exclusion
| Expert Name | Role | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Meera Iyer | Cricket Analyst | “Dropping Babar is a bold move, but it risks destabilizing Pakistan’s batting.” |
| Rajiv Bansal | Selection Strategy Consultant | “Akram’s comments reflect what many in the dressing room feel silently.” |
| Dr. Rakesh Sinha | Historian of Pakistan Cricket | “Babar’s exclusion is a gamble that could backfire in high-pressure games.” |
Experts agree that while experimentation is important, experience should not be discarded entirely.
📦 Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 Squad Overview
| Player Name | Role | Recent Form / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Salman Ali Agha | Captain, Batter | Led tri-series win, but inconsistent |
| Saim Ayub | Opener | Aggressive but prone to early dismissals |
| Azam Khan | Wicketkeeper Batter | Big-hitter, lacks consistency |
| Shadab Khan | All-rounder | Vice-captain, key in middle overs |
| Naseem Shah | Fast Bowler | Returning from injury |
| Mohammad Haris | Batter | Selected over Babar for middle-order role |
The squad reflects a shift toward youth and aggressive batting, but lacks a proven anchor.
📅 Upcoming Fixtures for Pakistan in Asia Cup 2025
| Match Date | Opponent | Venue | Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sept 12, 2025 | Oman | Abu Dhabi Stadium | Must-win for Super Four qualification |
| Sept 14, 2025 | India | Dubai International Stadium | High-stakes rivalry clash |
| Sept 18, 2025 | Afghanistan | Sharjah Stadium | Decider for semi-final spot |
Pakistan’s performance in the group stage will determine the viability of its youth-centric strategy.
📌 Conclusion
Wasim Akram’s call for Babar Azam’s return to Pakistan’s T20I squad ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 has reignited the debate over balancing youth and experience. While selectors have opted for a fresh approach, Akram’s endorsement of Babar’s value—both on and off the field—underscores the risks of sidelining a proven match-winner. As Pakistan prepares for high-voltage fixtures, the absence of its most consistent batter may become the tournament’s defining subplot.
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Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available interviews, match records, and expert commentary as of September 10, 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute selection or betting advice.
