Pakistan urged to reinstate Babar Azam at number three in ODIs following consistent failures, as former cricketers criticize the opening position
1 month ago | 5 Views
The recent decision by Pakistan to promote Babar Azam to the opening position in One Day Internationals (ODIs) has faced criticism from former cricketers Mohammad Amir and Mohammad Hafeez. This strategic shift was necessitated by the injury of young opener Saim Ayub, placing Babar in a role that is not familiar to him, and his difficulties in this position have become apparent.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced its squad for the 2025 Champions Trophy, suggesting a potential long-term opening partnership between Babar and Fakhar Zaman. This new pairing has already been tested in the ongoing Tri-Nation series. However, Babar's performance as an opener has raised alarms, as he has only accumulated 62 runs across three innings during the series against New Zealand and South Africa.
His highest score in this new role is a mere 29, achieved in the final match against New Zealand in Karachi.
Amir, who has been a critical voice regarding Pakistan's team management, has voiced his concerns about this tactical change, arguing that the PCB has undermined Babar's effectiveness by moving him from his established No. 3 position.
"My strength lies in bowling with a new ball; if I am not given that opportunity, I cannot utilize my skills effectively. Similarly, Babar's strength is at No. 3, where he excels in building innings. The role of an opener in T20 is distinct, and in ODIs and Tests, it varies significantly," Amir remarked during an interview on Geo News.
As a former captain, Babar has excelled at No. 3, where he has skillfully constructed his innings, stabilized the middle overs, and provided the team with much-needed consistency. By placing him in the opener's role, the management has compelled him to adopt a more aggressive strategy during the powerplay, which does not suit his natural playing style.
"He must approach the innings in phases. In the first 10 overs, he should take calculated risks, while in the subsequent 10 overs, he should focus on building partnerships. The roles are fundamentally different. Babar is undoubtedly a talented player..."
Hafeez's post
Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez has also expressed his disapproval of the current batting order, asserting that Babar should be reinstated to the number three position.
“1- Shaan Masood, 2- Imam-ul-Haq, 3- Abdullah Shafique. Select any one as an opener and allow Babar Azam to bat at number three in the Champions Trophy. This adjustment would simplify matters for the entire team,” Hafeez stated on X.
Pakistan will play in the opener of the Champions Trophy on February 19, where they take on New Zealand in Karachi. They will meet arch-rivals India on February 23 in Dubai, and Pakistan will be hoping for Babar to rediscover his form before the iconic clash.
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