Wasim Akram wants Babar Azam back in team ahead of big events

Stressing the need for senior batters in mega events, legendary cricketer Wasim Akram urged the cricket board to bring Babar Azam back into the Pakistan cricket team, advising that he should bat at number three.

Babar Azam, who had been ruled out of the team over the lowest strike rate, played his last match against South Africa in December 2024.

Calls for his return have grown louder after eight months, especially following Fakhar Zaman’s injury.

Former captain Wasim Akram also stated that Babar’s return would have a significant impact on the team, especially during a performance crisis. 

Speaking to journalists, he said, “If it is in my hands, I’d include Babar in the T20 team. Currently, the team needs senior batters, as events like the Asia Cup and World Cup are ahead.”

Read: Babar Azam slips in ICC T20I rankings

He recalled Babar’s performance at the summer Summit County 2019, where he hit runs with a 150 strike rate, because he has the ability to play according to the situation. 

The team needs a responsible batter, especially when it was chasing a target of 140 to 160 runs, and let the team collaborate, he added, describing Babar as a world-class player. 

“Babar changes his playing strategies according to format and situation. He did so in past, and he can do this in future as well. We all should support him, he is a capable player who can do a lot for Pakistan,” Wasim Akram believed. 

Responding to the query, he also advised the management that Babar should be played at number three.