National selectors consider Babar’s return to reinforce batting strength ahead of high-stakes international tournaments.
LAHORE – August 7, 2025:
Pakistan’s top-order maestro Babar Azam is being strongly considered for a return to the national T20I squad, multiple sources close to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) revealed on Tuesday. The development comes just weeks before two major assignments: the Tri-Nation T20I Series scheduled in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the highly anticipated ACC Men’s Asia Cup 2025.
Babar, who stepped down from captaincy across formats last year, has remained active in franchise and domestic cricket, consistently performing in leagues such as the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Global T20 Canada, where he has showcased both form and fitness. Despite being out of the national T20 side in recent months, his performances have kept him in the spotlight.
Sources indicate that the national selection committee, under the leadership of chief selector Wahab Riaz, along with head coach Gary Kirsten and T20 captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, has been holding a series of meetings in Lahore to finalise the squad for both events. Babar’s name has gained strong support from senior officials who believe his experience and calm presence can bring balance to an otherwise inconsistent batting order.
The upcoming Tri-Nation Series, involving Pakistan, New Zealand, and Sri Lanka, is scheduled to begin later this month in UAE. The series is expected to serve as a warm-up platform ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, which is set to follow under a hybrid model, with Pakistan hosting initial matches and the UAE slated to host high-profile knockout games due to logistics and political constraints.
Insiders say Babar’s return is not just about numbers but also leadership. While he may not reclaim captaincy, his tactical insight and ability to anchor the innings are considered crucial—especially after Pakistan’s underwhelming run in the 2024 T20 World Cup, which saw them exit in the group stage. The top-order, comprising younger players like Saim Ayub, Irfan Niazi, and Azam Khan, has struggled with inconsistency, failing to provide solid starts.
The PCB is also under public pressure to field its best and most experienced players after recent setbacks. With the cricketing calendar tightening ahead of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, the selectors want to establish a strong core around which the squad can be built. If included, Babar would likely bat at number 3, a role where he has been historically reliable.
While no official squad announcement has been made yet, insiders suggest that the final team will be revealed in the second week of August, followed by a short training camp at the National High Performance Centre (NHPC) in Lahore. The team will then fly to Dubai for the tri-series.
As of now, Babar has not made any public statement regarding his potential return, maintaining a low profile and continuing his preparations privately. However, his likely comeback could play a decisive role in Pakistan’s T20 roadmap for the next two years.
