Former Pakistan captain and Sultan of Swing Wasim Akram has urged the national team to include Babar Azam as an anchor in the middle order for upcoming T20 challenges. Akram believes Pakistan needs a technically strong batter with an attacking mindset for high-pressure situations in big tournaments.

 

During an appearance on Geo News’ program 'Hasna Mana Hai', Akram shared his thoughts on the challenges Babar faces. 

 

“Okay, we are coming from Bangladesh after winning the series 2-1 against West Indies. But I feel there is still a little inconsistency. Now, the big series are coming up, the Asia Cup is coming up, then the World Cup next year. Now my concern is that at number three or four, if you have to chase 140 or 145 in a knockout game, for example, against Australia, India, or England, then you need an anchor, an anchor but with a good strike rate, someone who has good technique and can also play attacking shots,” Akram said.

 

He further suggested Babar for this role based on his previous performances. “ In T20s, if you play him (Babar Azam) at number three, like he played for Somerset with a strike rate of 140, then he can play his natural game,” he added.

 

Akram also shared advice for the former captain, who is currently out of the T20I squad. “Babar Azam is our superstar and a top player in world cricket. I would just advise him to stay calm, ignore unnecessary press conferences, and remember that ‘Form is temporary, class is forever.’ Keep going, and you will return to the top of world cricket again,” Akram said.

 

Babar, currently second on the list of all-time leading T20I run-scorers, has been out of favor in the shortest format since Pakistan’s three-match series against South Africa in December last year. He was also not included in the squad for the upcoming Asia Cup, as Pakistan focuses on grooming youngsters ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India and Sri Lanka.

 

Currently, the Men in Green are competing in a tri-nation T20I series against the UAE and Afghanistan. Pakistan has won both of their matches so far in the series, which runs from August 29 to September 7, concluding just before the Asia Cup 2025 begins.

 

The Asia Cup will feature eight teams divided into two groups. Group A includes Pakistan, India, UAE, and Oman, while Group B consists of Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong. The tournament starts on September 9 with Afghanistan taking on Hong Kong.

 

Pakistan will open their campaign against Oman on September 12, face arch-rivals India on September 14, and play their final group-stage match against hosts UAE on September 17. The top two teams from each group will advance to the Super Four stage, which could set up another Pakistan-India clash on September 21.

 

Pakistan Squad for Tri-Nation Series and Asia Cup 2025 includes Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Ali Agha (C), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Sufiyan Muqeem.