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Wasim Akram Backs Babar Azam to Open for Pakistan in Champions Trophy 2025
Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has given his endorsement to the idea of Babar Azam opening the innings for Pakistan in the Champions Trophy 2025.
Pakistan recently announced their squad for the tri-nation series and the Champions Trophy. While Fakhar Zaman made a return to the 15-member squad, Saim Ayub was left out due to an ankle injury. During the announcement, national selector Asad Shafiq mentioned that either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel would open depending on the conditions.
Akram, however, believes that Babar Azam should take up the opening slot alongside Fakhar Zaman.
đź—Ł “I would like to see [Mohammad] Rizwan as a middle-order batter and maybe ask Babar to open the inning. Babar has a brilliant technique. If he plays 50 overs and scores a hundred, the batting will revolve around him,” Akram shared during a media talk.
Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah Criticized by Wasim Akram
While Akram backed Babar’s role in the top order, he also voiced his concerns regarding the selection of Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah in the squad. Both players’ recent performances have raised questions about their place in the team.
đź—Ł “Faheem Ashraf has been selected in this squad but in the last few months his batting average is 8 while his bowling average is 100. Apart from this, Khushdil Shah’s performance has also not been good and we have selected only one spinner, but India has selected 4 spinners,” Akram said, criticizing the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)‘s decision.
Akram’s remarks were supported by Rashid Khan and Tanvir Ahmed, who echoed similar concerns about the squad selection. Khan suggested that Ashraf’s inclusion was a “political selection”, while Ahmed referred to the squad as “a joke” when compared to India’s depth in spin bowling.
Pakistan Squad for Champions Trophy 2025 and Tri-Nation Series
The Pakistan squad for the tri-nation series and Champions Trophy 2025 includes:
- Babar Azam
- Fakhar Zaman
- Kamran Ghulam
- Saud Shakeel
- Tayyab Tahir
- Mohammad Rizwan (captain, wicketkeeper)
- Usman Khan (wicketkeeper)
- Faheem Ashraf
- Khushdil Shah
- Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain)
- Abrar Ahmed
- Haris Rauf
- Mohammad Hasnain
- Naseem Shah
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
Pakistan’s Challenges Heading into Champions Trophy 2025
The Pakistan squad faces heavy scrutiny heading into the Champions Trophy 2025, with experts questioning the inclusion of certain players. Akram, Khan, and Ahmed have all highlighted concerns regarding player form, particularly that of Faheem Ashraf, who has not delivered strong performances in recent months.
The focus now shifts to how Pakistan navigates these challenges and whether Akram’s call to have Babar Azam open will be adopted.
Will Pakistan be able to overcome internal disputes and perform well on the big stage? Let’s wait and see!
