Pakistan batter Babar Azam’s recent underwhelming performances have fuelled discussions about his role as an opener for the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, set to run from February 19 to March 9.
Interim head coach Aqib Javed voiced support for Babar’s promotion to the opening position during a post-match press conference following Pakistan’s five-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the tri-nation ODI series final on Friday.
Javed defended the management’s decision to elevate the star batter, expressing optimism that Babar would thrive in this crucial role during key matches ahead.
Javed said: “Our rationale behind the change was that if you look at the away series against South Africa, the right-hand batter had to bat in the first over in all games. Then Saim got injured and he had to open in Tests too. These pitches are not troubling the batters at the start, we wanted our best batter to make good use of the powerplay, that suits us more.
“So, I think, in these conditions, Babar should open and I am hopeful that he will play big innings in important matches.”
Despite managing only one victory from three matches of the recently-concluded tri-nation ODI series, Javed remained confident in the squad’s ability to “do great” in the upcoming tournament, suggesting that it has all the basis covered.
