Former Pakistan captain and legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has urged the return of Babar Azam to the national T20 squad ahead of the Asia Cup.
Babar last played a T20 International in December 2024 against South Africa but was dropped due to poor form and a below-par strike rate.
In a recent interview, Wasim Akram voiced strong support for the senior batter’s inclusion, stating, “If it were up to me, I would definitely bring Babar Azam back into the T20 team.”
He stressed the importance of having an experienced batter in the lineup with major tournaments like the Asia Cup and T20 World Cup approaching. Akram recalled Babar’s explosive run with Somerset in 2019, where he scored at a strike rate close to 150, proving his ability to adapt his style as needed.
“When we’re chasing 140 or 160, especially against stronger sides, we need a player who can anchor the innings and lead from the front. Babar is still among the best in the world,” he emphasized.
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Akram said Babar still has a lot to offer Pakistan and needs public backing and team support. He also suggested that Babar can be used flexibly in the batting order, though he sees the number three spot as ideal—depending on the match situation.
As for his recent form, Babar has struggled in T20s, managing just 236 runs at an average of 26 in his last 10 innings without a single fifty.