Pakistan’s former captain Babar Azam is likely to return to the national T20I team in the upcoming series against South Africa.
The star batter last played T20 cricket for Pakistan in December 2024, also against South Africa.
Sources say Babar was left out of the squad due to concerns over his strike rate.
Selectors, including Aaqib Javed and head coach Mike Hesson, wanted to give more chances to young players instead of relying on senior players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
But after Pakistan suffered two back-to-back defeats against India, the PCB has directed selectors to bring Babar back into the side.
Initially, there was even a plan to include him in the Asia Cup squad in Dubai, but tournament organizers rejected the idea since no player was injured.
Now, the South Africa series is being seen as the stage for Babar’s return. Pakistan’s batting line-up has struggled, and the lack of an experienced player is badly felt.
The selectors are also watching Salman Ali Agha’s performance as captain. If he fails, his role might be reduced.
Similarly, if Mohammad Haris does not improve with the bat, wicketkeeping duties may once again go to Mohammad Rizwan.
What remains unclear is Babar’s batting position. Will he return as an opener or play at number three or four? Meanwhile, sources reveal that a key member of the selection committee supports Salman Ali Agha strongly, even claiming credit for “ending Babar Azam’s dominance” in the team.
Despite the criticism, Babar Azam’s numbers speak for themselves. He is the fastest to 5,000 ODI runs (97 innings), the fastest to 2,500 T20 runs, and the second-highest run scorer in T20Is with 4,223 runs, just behind India’s Rohit Sharma. He also holds the record for the second-most T20I fifties.
This development highlights the selection dilemma in Pakistan cricket: choosing between youth and experience.
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The selectors initially tried to move forward without Babar and Rizwan, hoping younger players would step up.
However, Pakistan’s poor performances against India have forced the PCB to reconsider.
Babar’s return shows that his value as a senior batter remains unmatched, even if his strike rate has been questioned.
If he comes back strong, it will strengthen Pakistan’s batting order ahead of future tournaments.
But if the younger players continue to be sidelined, the debate over Pakistan’s future leadership and batting strategy will only intensify.
