Why PCB is eyeing Babar Azam return for Asia Cup 2025
- Fakhar Zaman injury during West Indies’ T20I series has ruled out Pakistan’s opening mainstay, where PCB is searching for trustworthy standbys.
- News from Geosuper and CricketPakistan verifies that Babar is again in focus, particularly in case Fakhar cannot make it in time.
What does Babar need to do to earn his place?
- Selectors will observe his ODI series performance closely—if he plays well, his return to the T20I team is imminent.
- Coach Mike Hesson stated clearly he’s fighting for the top order with Fakhar, Saim Ayub, and Sahibzada Farhan.
Asia Cup experience counts
- Babar has taken part in six T20I Asia Cup matches and has scored only 68 runs with poor average—but his extensive UAE experience and leadership background may prove priceless.
- For 2023 Asia Cup, he was among Pakistan’s leading scorers with 207 runs from a mere four innings with an average of 51.75 at a strike rate of 97.64.
T20I competition in the top order
- Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and emerging player Sahibzada Farhan are all competing for limited opportunities. Farhan’s emergence in the absence of Fakhar has contributed to the selector’s problem.
- Babar’s return would fuel the race for opening spots in the T20I team going into the tri‑nation series and Asia Cup.
What it would mean for Pakistan
- Experience and stability: Babar provides poise and class on top in big‑pressure games such as Pakistan vs India on September 14 in the UAE.
- Batting lineup balance: He provides anchoring capability that is not available with others, particularly on slow UAE pitches. Ex-coach Hesson has spoken of needing strike‑rate supported by a situational sense.
- Morale booster: There has been public comment from fans and teammates praising Babar’s leadership skills and the boost his inclusion could bring to the team spirit.
What’s next?
- Final squad for tri‑nation series and Asia Cup 2025 likely to be announced in second week of August.
- Asia Cup between September 9 to 28, Pakistani matches in Group A: against Oman on Sept 12, India on Sept 14, UAE on Sept 17.
FAQs
How many times did Babar Azam get out on Duck?
Babar Azam has been dismissed for a duck 8 times in his Test career. This includes his first duck on home soil in Test cricket during a match against Bangladesh
Is any sister of Babar Azam?
Fariya Azam.
Why is Babar Azam so famous?
Babar Azam is also the second fastest Asian batsman to reach 3000 runs in ODI cricket (68 innings). He has set a new record by becoming the fastest player to score 5000 runs in ODI cricket (97 innings). He also holds the record to score the most runs in the first 25 innings of his career (1306 runs)
How many sixes of Babar Azam are there?
Babar Azam has hit a total of 163 sixes across all three formats of international cricket: 23 in Tests, 67 in ODIs, and 73 in T20Is
Which batsman has 0 ducks?
No ducks in career in Tests
Which batsman has 0 ducks?
No ducks in career in Tests
| Player | Span | Mat |
|---|---|---|
| SC Williams (ZIM) | 2013-2025 | 23 |
| JW Burke (AUS) | 1951-1959 | 24 |
| RA Duff (AUS) | 1902-1905 | 22 |
| BP Patel (IND) | 1974-1977 | 21 |
