New Delhi: Pakistan selectors want their star batter Babar Azam to play the opener’s role in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The idea is inspired by the success of legendary cricketer Sachin Tendulkar had after shifting to the pole position from the middle-order.
As per a report published in news agency PTI, Aaqib Javed, who is a senior selector and also interim head coach of Pakistan team, and other selectors had spoken to star player Babar about stepping in as opener once Saim Ayub was injured in an accident in the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town last month.
‘A day after Saim got injured it became clear that he would be out of cricket for at least two months making him an unlikely starter for the Champions Trophy,’ the source told PTI.
Selectors have serious discussion with Babar
After Saim’s status became clear, Aaqib and Azhar Ali again had a serious discussion with Babar where they not only asked him but also tried to convince him to get ready to open with Fakhar Zaman in the 50-over matches, including the Champions Trophy. As per the report, the selectors had remained Babar that Tendulkar’s career took a big upturn after he began opening the innings.
Incidentally, the discussion had taken place at the same time when Babar and Shan Masood had to open in the Cape Town Test match due to Saim’s injury and they had a big partnership as well, which was applauded by all. The report also mentions that the star Pakistan batter has agreed to the challenge and willingly said yes to opening in the matches in the forthcoming games. The report also mentions that the selectors don’t want to go with Imam-ul-Haq or any other opener but with Babar Azam only.
(With PTI inputs)
Pakistan selectors want their star batter Babar Azam to play the opener’s role in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
