Former national fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has said that star batter Babar Azam’s spot in the ODI team might be at stake and the team management is deciding his future.
Addressing a private TV programme, Shoaib Akhtar questioned the host about the selection of Babar Azam in the ODI squad. He added that the team management was also discussing whether to drop Babar Azam from the team.
Shoaib Akhtar clarified that he didn’t want any controversy to be created around Babar Azam. He said that Babar needs to keep playing and prove himself worthy of being a part of the Pakistan ODI squad by showcasing his skills.
The former fast bowler also discussed the problems Aaqib Javed faces in ODI cricket. The task of completing all the requirements of the batsman and bowler in a 50 over game is a tough job, he said. Shoaib Akhtar expressed hope that his concerns would prove to be wrong.
Babar Azam’s century record also comes under discussion
In December 2022, Babar Azam hit an unbeaten 161 to lead Pakistan to a victory over New Zealand in a Test match. However, after that he hasn’t been able to cross the 100 since then in the Test arena.
He had made the last ODI century in Sri Lanka’s home ground in Rawalpindi in November 2025, hitting an unbeaten 102 off 72 deliveries. It was his 20th century in the format.
After Shoaib Akhtar’s comments, Babar Azam’s inclusion in the ODI squad and future has again come up for discussion. But the comments given do not validate any official announcement of Babar Azam’s withdrawal from the squad.
