Babar Azam talks about selectors ahead of Pakistan vs Sri Lanka Test series
Babar says his focus is on getting the best performance from the players available to him.
Babar Azam explains his role in team selection
Babar made these comments during a press conference ahead of the first Test of the two-match series against Sri Lanka. He said the selectors and team management had chosen the squad after discussions.
“When we came back from England the scenario was in front of everyone. After that, when we sat down for this team, the selectors and the coach selected the side. I have been given 15 players. My job is to field them, get performances out of them and make them compete,” he said.
“The other things are not in my hands. Selection is their job. Wherever my input is required I give it, and we sit together with the selectors and coach to decide what is best possible. But not everything needs to be explained here about where my job begins and ends,” he added.
Babar’s comments come as Pakistan prepare for major changes following their disappointing performance in the previous phase of the World Test Championship (WTC). He said the team had decided to focus on building a stronger side for the next championship cycle.
Young players get chance after England defeat
Pakistan are currently at the bottom of the 2025-27 WTC standings, with a points percentage of 4.63 after nine matches. They have won two Tests and lost seven, while 19 points were also deducted because of slow over-rates.
Babar said the team wanted to use the remaining matches to prepare for the next WTC cycle. He explained that the management was trying to create a balance between experienced players and young talent.
“We are almost out of this year’s Test Championship, so we are looking forward to the next one and preparing for it. We have taken a different step and injected different players.
“We are trying to apply a combination of seniors and juniors so that we get a good mix and give the youngsters the opportunity to express themselves and perform well. InshaAllah, you will see a different team,” he said.
Several young and relatively inexperienced players have earned places in the squad because of their performances in domestic cricket. They include Sameer Minhas, Mohammad Taha, Mohammad Suleman, Azan Awais and Arafat Minhas.
Recent additions Aamir Jamal, Ali Shabbir, Saqib Khan and Mohammad Tayyab Arif have further strengthened the young group. Experienced players Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Abbas are expected to guide the newcomers.
Babar wants team to learn from past mistakes
Pakistan’s new approach follows a 3-0 defeat during their previous tour of England. Babar said the team wanted to learn from that result instead of focusing on the disappointment.
“What has gone is gone. We will learn from it and inject those lessons into the message we give the players about how we need to move forward. Our plan is positive,” he said.
Pakistan’s recent success in white-ball cricket has also raised hopes ahead of the Test series. The team defeated Sri Lanka in the final of the ODI tri-series in late October, which Babar believes has improved confidence among the players.
“Any series or match you win gives you confidence, and we have brought that vibe into the Test matches. When young blood comes into a team it gives a different energy, and I think that is present in this side,” he said.
Pakistan are ninth in the WTC standings, while Sri Lanka are seventh with a points percentage of 33.33 from six matches. Sri Lanka have won one Test, lost two and drawn three.
Babar targets comeback as Pakistan face Sri Lanka
Babar will also be looking to improve his own performance in Test cricket. His last Test century came against New Zealand in Karachi in December 2022, and he has not scored another hundred in the format since then.
He said he was working hard to improve his game and correct his mistakes. He also stressed that every player needed to keep learning.
“My thinking is always positive. As a player and senior player you try to give your best in every match. The more I play and stay on the ground, the more I try to improve. You learn from mistakes; no one is perfect. I figure out where I am going wrong and work on it with the coaches,” he said.
Babar has enjoyed strong performances against Sri Lanka in the past, scoring two centuries during Pakistan’s home series in 2019 and another hundred in Galle in 2022. The upcoming series gives him another chance to regain his form while leading Pakistan on home ground.
Pakistan have a better record in previous Test matches against Sri Lanka. They have won 23 of their 59 meetings, while Sri Lanka have won 17 and 19 matches ended in draws.
Pakistan are using this series to prepare for the next World Test Championship cycle. Young players will get an important chance, while Babar will also be under pressure to improve his own form and lead the team to better results.
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