Wasim Akram throws weight behind Babar Azam's T20I return

Wasim Akram wants Babar Azam’s return to the squad for the Asia Cup, advising that he should bat at number three.

According to details, Babar Azam last represented the Green Shirts in a T20 match against South Africa in December 2024. After that, he was dropped due to his lower strike rate. Now, with Fakhar Zaman injured, voices are being raised for the senior batter’s comeback, and former captain Wasim Akram shares the same opinion.

Speaking exclusively to Cricket Pakistan , Akram said, “If I had the authority, I would definitely include Babar Azam in the national T20 team. The Asia Cup and then the World Cup are approaching, and we need a senior batter. Fans may recall that when he represented Somerset in 2019, he scored runs at nearly a 150 strike rate. He has the ability to adapt his batting according to the situation.”

The former all-rounder added, “When we’re chasing 140 or 160, especially against big teams, we need someone who can take responsibility and carry the other 10 players along with him. Babar is among the world’s best players. He adjusts his game to the format and match situation — he’s done it in the past and can do it in the future as well. Babar still has a lot of cricket left in him and can achieve much for Pakistan. We all need to support him.”

In response to a question, Akram said, “The coach can play Babar at any position he wants. In my opinion, number three is ideal for him, but it will depend on the situation. If there are more overs left, someone else could also go in to bat first.”

Babar last appeared in a T20 International in December 2024 against South Africa. Over his last 10 matches, he accumulated 236 runs at an average of 26, without registering a single half-century. In fact, three of his last five innings ended without him even reaching double figures. He last captained Pakistan during the 2024 T20 World Cup, where the team’s performance was highly underwhelming, prompting the PCB to shift its focus toward youth development.