The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025 could witness a major shake-up in Pakistan’s batting order. Star batter Babar Azam, a rock-solid No. 3 for years, might be asked to open alongside Fakhar Zaman. With Saim Ayub ruled out due to an ankle injury, the team management is eyeing Babar for the role.
A Shift Inspired by Sachin?
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) seems to be drawing inspiration from Sachin Tendulkar’s career shift. The Indian legend started as a middle-order batter in 1989 but became a game-changer after moving to the top. The hope is that Babar can have a similar impact.
But is it the right move?
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Basit Ali’s Take
Former cricketer Basit Ali believes Babar’s place in the team is secure, no matter how this experiment turns out. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he stated:
“Babar’s place in the team will remain unaffected, irrespective of his performance in the Champions Trophy,” he stated.
“I hope Babar performs. If he performs, he will say I played for Pakistan. If he doesn’t perform, he will say I was forcefully made to open.”
Reports suggest that head coach Aqib Javed, batting coach Shahid Aslam, and captain Mohammad Rizwan played a key role in convincing Babar to take on the opening slot. Their belief? Babar has the technique and temperament to thrive at the top.
While he has been Pakistan’s T20I opener for over two years, his ODI opening experience is limited. The last time he opened in ODIs was in 2015, before cementing himself as the team’s No. 3.
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A Risk Worth Taking?
This move comes with pros and cons.
✅ Pros:
- Babar’s consistency and class could provide stability at the top.
- Pakistan gets a solid replacement for Saim Ayub without disrupting the middle order.
- He can take advantage of field restrictions in the powerplay.
❌ Cons:
- Adjusting to a new role in a high-stakes tournament isn’t easy.
- If it doesn’t work, Pakistan could struggle to find balance.
- Babar’s comfort at No. 3 is well-proven—why fix something that isn’t broken?
Pakistan is betting big on Babar Azam as an opener. If it works, it could redefine the team’s approach to ODIs. If it backfires, questions will be asked.
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