Former Pakistan cricketer advises PCB to rest Babar Azam for second Test against West Indies

Former cricketer Basit Ali has suggested that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should rest star batter Babar Azam for the second Test against the West Indies in Multan. 

While Pakistan secured a 127-run win in the opening Test, Babar's performance was below par, scoring just 8 and 5 on a challenging pitch.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Ali expressed that this would be an ideal time for Babar to take a break. “Pakistan is damaging Babar’s confidence when he has just regained his rhythm. Since Pakistan won’t qualify for the World Test Championship (WTC) final, it would be wise to rest him. If you want to keep him in the Playing XI, prepare better pitches,” Ali said.

He also recommended that wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan should be rested in preparation for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

“If the pitch is similar to the first Test, it could harm the players' confidence further. Babar struggled in the first Test, but he found his form in South Africa, scoring runs in both ODIs and Tests,” he added.

Babar was previously dropped from the Test team for the second and third Tests against England at home last year. After being sidelined from the white-ball series against Zimbabwe, he made a successful return during Pakistan’s recent tour of South Africa.

The second and final Test of the series is scheduled from January 25 to 29, 2025, at the same venue in Multan.