PCB is contemplating Babar Azam’s return for the Asia Cup 2025.
Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam is reportedly being considered for a return to the T20I team for the upcoming Asia Cup, according to a sensational report from local media.
As per Geo Super and Cricket Pakistan, Babar Azam is on the radar of the Pakistan Cricket Board for the forthcoming tournaments due to uncertainties surrounding Fakhar Zaman’s condition. Fakhar, who sustained a hamstring injury during the recent T20I series against the West Indies, is currently scheduled to undergo rehabilitation at the National Cricket Academy after being ruled out of the ODI series in the Caribbean.
With Fakhar’s availability for the Asia Cup uncertain, the PCB is believed to be assessing alternative options, and Babar Azam—who is presently part of the ODI squad against the West Indies—has surfaced as a prominent candidate. Although the selectors are not hurrying into a decision, Babar’s performance in the ongoing ODI series is expected to influence whether he receives a recall for the crucial assignments in the UAE.
Should Babar’s inclusion be confirmed, it would heighten competition at the top of the batting order. Previously, Mike Hesson, Pakistan’s head coach for white-ball formats, remarked that Babar is competing for a position alongside both Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub. Nevertheless, there are no assurances that the former captain will be included in the playing XI, as Sahibzada Farhan has effectively filled the gap in Fakhar’s absence.
Babar Azam, who last participated in a T20I match in December 2024, has competed in six T20I matches during the Asia Cup, accumulating 68 runs with an average of 11.33.
The final roster for both the tri-nation series and the Asia Cup is anticipated to be announced in the second week of August, and there is considerable interest in whether Babar Azam will be included in the list or not.
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