Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has placed immense pressure on Babar Azam, warning that the Pakistan captain must score three centuries in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan to secure his place in the national team. Akhtar’s comments come amid concerns over Babar’s recent form, particularly after a disappointing series against Australia where he managed just 47 runs in three T20Is and 80 runs in the ODI series. With a change in management under Aqib Javed, Akhtar believes Babar’s career could be on the line if he doesn’t perform in the Champions Trophy.
Babar’s Test form has also been under scrutiny, as he was dropped from the squad during the England series due to a poor average of just 20.7 since 2023. His last significant score was over a year ago, which has added pressure on the 30-year-old batter. Akhtar emphasized that Babar needs to deliver match-winning performances in the Champions Trophy, a tournament set to be crucial for his future in the team.
Also Read: Babar Azam Reaches Two Major T20I Milestones
Former Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting also suggested that Babar could benefit from a break, similar to Virat Kohli’s strategy in 2022 to rediscover his form. Ponting believes that a temporary break could help Babar come back refreshed and reach his potential as one of the best players in world cricket.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is grappling with political complications surrounding the 2025 Champions Trophy, as India has raised objections to the proposed formula for the event. The formula, known as the “Partnership or Fusion Formula,” aims for matches between India and Pakistan in ICC events to be played at a neutral venue, such as Dubai, to ensure fairness. Despite initial interest from the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), progress on this matter has stalled, with no resolution in sight as the ICC event draws closer.
