Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has expressed his support for Babar Azam opening the innings for Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy. Speaking at a media event, Akram praised Babar’s batting technique, stating that if Babar were to open with Fakhar Zaman, he could anchor the innings and score big, helping the team’s batting revolve around him.
Akram also commented on the inclusion of Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah in the squad, expressing surprise over the selection of Ashraf, whose recent form has been poor with both bat and ball. He pointed out that Ashraf’s batting average was only 9, while his bowling average was a staggering 100 in the last 20 matches.
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The selection of just one spinner for the Champions Trophy also raised concerns, with Akram criticizing the PCB’s decision, especially given India’s selection of four spinners for the tournament.
Other former cricketers, including Rashid Khan and Tanvir Ahmed, echoed Akram’s sentiments, accusing the PCB of making “political selections” and highlighting the lack of consistency in squad selection.
The final Pakistan squad for the tri-nation series and Champions Trophy 2025 includes:
Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Usman Khan (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
