Former Pakistan captain supports Babar Azam to open innings in Champions Trophy 2025

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has expressed his support for Babar Azam to open the innings for Pakistan in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Pakistan announced their squad for the tri-nation series and the Champions Trophy on January 31. While opening batter Fakhar Zaman made a return to the 15-member squad, young opener Saim Ayub was left out due to an ankle injury. At the time of the squad announcement, national selector Asad Shafiq mentioned that either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel would open the innings for Pakistan, depending on the conditions.

Now, Wasim Akram has backed the idea of having Babar Azam open alongside Fakhar Zaman in the Champions Trophy. 

Speaking to the media, the former Pakistan captain said, "I would like to see Rizwan as a middle-order batter and maybe ask Babar to open the innings. Babar has a brilliant technique. If he plays 50 overs and scores a hundred, the batting will revolve around him."

Pakistan will start their Champions Trophy campaign with a match against New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi on February 19.