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Former Pakistan cricketer comments on Babar Azam's potential excuse for Champions Trophy failure

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has expressed confidence that Babar Azam’s place in the national team will not be under threat

Former Pakistan cricketer comments on Babar Azam's potential excuse for Champions Trophy failure PHOTO: AFP

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has expressed confidence that Babar Azam’s place in the national team will not be under threat, regardless of his performances in the upcoming ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025.

With just over two weeks remaining until the tournament begins, Pakistan’s squad faced a setback when 22-year-old opener Saim Ayub was confirmed unavailable for the competition. Pakistan also welcomed the return of veteran opener Fakhar Zaman. However, Ayub's absence might prompt Pakistan to ask Babar Azam to open the batting alongside Zaman. 

In light of these changes, Basit Ali believes that even if Babar fails to deliver as an opener, he would have a valid excuse for his performance. While Babar was dropped from Pakistan’s Test squad in 2024, Ali insisted that Babar’s place in the ODI team will remain secure, regardless of how he performs in the Champions Trophy.

"Babar's position in the team will remain unaffected, irrespective of his performance in the Champions Trophy," Ali stated on his YouTube channel.

Ali further explained, "I hope Babar performs. If he performs well, he will say, ‘I played for Pakistan.’ But if he doesn’t perform, he can always say, 'I was forced to open.'"

Despite his poor form, Babar Azam had a solid year in ODIs in 2024, scoring 228 runs in just six matches at an average of 57, including two fifties.

Meanwhile, Pakistan has been in strong form in ODIs. Under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan has won three consecutive ODI series in Australia, Zimbabwe and South Africa.

The Champions Trophy 2025 will kick off on February 19 in Karachi, where Pakistan will face New Zealand. The much-awaited clash between Pakistan and India will follow on February 23 in Dubai, with Pakistan's final group-stage match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.