Pakistan cricket team is going through a transition phase. PCB’s new selection panel has done quite a remarkable work as Pakistan won the Test series by 2-1 after losing the opening Test match. Babar Azam was rested for last 2 Test matches against England. Babar Azam though was a part of the historic ODI series triumph against Australia where Pakistan defeated Aussies in their backyard after 22 years.
Pakistan’s next assignment after Zimbabwe’s last T20I match is against South Africa. The Men in Green are scheduled to play 3 T20Is, 3 ODIs & 2 Test matches commencing from 10th December. Babar Azam would be keen to make a mark that he is not yet done (*squads aren’t released by PCB).
Babar Azam will have to score 3 match winning hundreds- Shoaib Akhtar
Shoaib Akhtar was having an interaction with PTV Sports. Shoaib Akhtar pointed out that Babar Azam needs to show performances else he won’t be considered by the new management. Shoaib Akhtar stated that match winning tons can only make Babar Azam a permanent member of the side.
“He is our star player and has my backing but with the new management and the new thinking, he will have to show performances. Otherwise, he will not be considered for ODIs and T20Is. Babar needs to be at his best in the Champions Trophy. He will have to score three match-winning hundreds; otherwise, the path is going to be difficult for him,” said Shoaib Akhtar.
Great chance for Pakistan
It won’t be wrong to say that Pakistan will get ample match practice before the start of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Pakistan are set to play 3 ODIs against South Africa, then a Tri series in Pakistan featuring New Zealand & South Africa which will be a very good stepping stone when they would defend the ICC CT title in February-March 2025.
PCB perhaps needs to recall their destructive left-handed batter Fakhar Zaman who was ignored for Australia & Zimbabwe’s white ball leg tour for commenting against the selection panel on social media regarding Babar Azam. Fakhar though now is competing with Saim Ayub who has taken World cricket by storm by performing exceedingly well against Australia & Zimbabwe as the road for Fakhar Zaman’s comeback looks a bit steep.