Babar Azam set for T20I comeback
Pakistan’s selectors are preparing to recall former captain Babar Azam for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa, with his return considered highly likely after a string of poor batting performances in the Asia Cup 2025. According to multiple reports, internal discussions within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) have shifted after back-to-back defeats to India, with officials now pressing for the senior batter’s reinstatement.
Babar last featured in a T20 International in December against South Africa before being dropped over concerns about his strike rate. Selectors initially backed younger players, but recent results have highlighted the absence of experienced anchors in the batting lineup.
Plans were even made to include Babar in the Asia Cup squad midway through the tournament, but organisers rejected the request, as squad changes were only permitted in the case of injury.
Uncertainty over Babar’s batting role
While his return now looks imminent, there is still no clarity on where he will bat. According to a report by Salim Khaliq, it remains uncertain whether Babar will resume his opening role or be shifted to No. 3 or 4. The selectors are expected to take a call closer to the South Africa series, with team dynamics and other performances under review.
Babar’s career numbers remain among the best in the format, with over 4,200 T20I runs, the second-most in history behind Rohit Sharma, along with a record number of half-centuries.
Hafeez: Pakistan ‘incomplete’ without senior stars
Speaking on The Dugout pre-match analysis show on Tamasha, former captain Mohammad Hafeez argued strongly for the return of experienced players, including Babar.
“I would still say today that this team definitely needs three players. First, they should be properly consulted and things should be explained to them in the right way. Babar definitely has a place in this team—I’ve said it before as well—that without him, this is an incomplete team,” Hafeez said.
He added that the absence of both senior batters and a strike bowler has left the side unbalanced: “Babar must be in this team, Naseem Shah must also be in this team, and thirdly, since Haris has not yet been able to adjust at the international level, Rizwan should take his place.”
Hafeez stressed that management must know how to handle senior players effectively. “The way to get performances, the way to utilise players—that is for the management to decide. But if we include these three players in our team, we will have a better chance to perform in any given condition against any opposition.”
He also acknowledged past issues but called for lessons to be learned: “Yes, mistakes were made, but that was in a different situation when even the captain and management created issues that led to wrong decisions. These players also made mistakes, but no matter what, whether Pakistan wins or loses the Asia Cup, these three players must be part of the team to create the right balance.”
What’s next for Pakistan
Pakistan’s selectors are expected to finalise the squad for the South Africa series following the conclusion of the Asia Cup. While Salman Ali Agha’s future as captain could depend on his remaining performances, pressure is mounting for the return of senior names.
For now, Babar Azam’s likely comeback represents a shift back toward experience after an experiment with youth that has failed to deliver results. Hafeez’s call reinforces the sentiment that proven performers remain essential if Pakistan is to compete with top opposition.
