Babar Azam Archives

Shaheen Afridi comments on Babar Azam, Saim Ayub omission from ODI squad

DHAKA: Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi addressed questions over the exclusion of key players Babar Azam and Saim Ayub from the upcoming three-match ODI series against Bangladesh, set to begin tomorrow at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

All three ODIs, scheduled for March 11, 13, and 15, will be played at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium.

Speaking at a pre-series press conference on Tuesday, Afridi stressed that no one has been “dropped” and that the selections are aimed at testing bench strength and giving opportunities to emerging talent.

“Look, no one has been dropped for this series. We just wanted to give our youngsters a chance to show their skills,” Afridi explained.

“They are our future, and this series against Bangladesh is the perfect opportunity for them to understand their roles ahead of bigger events like the World Cup next year.”

The Pakistan squad for the series features six uncapped players: Abdul Samad, Maaz Sadaqat, Muhammad Ghazi Ghori, Saad Masood, Sahibzada Farhan, and Shamyl Hussain.

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Afridi confirmed that Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat, and Shamyl Hussain will make their ODI debuts, with Farhan and Sadaqat opening the innings and Hussain at one-down.

Addressing the expected challenges in Dhaka, Shaheen Afridi highlighted that Pakistan’s strength lies in its pace attack and downplayed the idea of relying heavily on spinners, referencing the West Indies’ spin-heavy strategy at the same venue during an ODI in October 2025.

“This will not be happening. Pakistan is known for fast bowling. I will back our pacers to take wickets, while the spinners will contribute and play their role in the win,” he said.

Afridi also acknowledged Bangladesh’s home advantage but expressed confidence in Pakistan’s preparations.

“Any team is tough in their own conditions. Bangladesh plays very good cricket at home, and we have prepared accordingly,” he added.

“Our recent ODI series against South Africa and Sri Lanka have been encouraging, and we want to continue that momentum.”

READ: Shaheen Afridi confirms three debutants in first ODI against Bangladesh

Babar Azam, Naseem Shah added to Lahore Whites squad for National T20 Cup

Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam and fast bowler Naseem Shah have been included in the Lahore Whites squad for the upcoming National T20 Cup, scheduled to take place at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar from March 7 to 18.

The star duo were not part of the initial squad announcement but have now been drafted into the side ahead of the tournament. Both players will represent Lahore Whites under the captaincy of all-rounder Aamir Jamal.

The National T20 Cup is set to begin on Saturday, March 7, with the semi-finals scheduled for March 17 and the final to be played on March 18.

A total of 23 matches will be staged at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, which previously hosted nine Quaid-e-Azam Trophy matches in October and November 2025.

The tournament will feature 10 regional teams: Abbottabad, Bahawalpur, Faisalabad, Peshawar, Karachi Whites, Karachi Blues, Lahore Blues, Lahore Whites, Multan and Sialkot.

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Lahore Whites have been placed in Group A alongside Peshawar, Faisalabad, Karachi Whites and Bahawalpur. Defending champions Lahore Blues headline Group B, which also includes Sialkot, Multan, Abbottabad and Karachi Blues.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals. During the group stage, which runs from March 7 to 16, two matches will be played daily.

The first fixture will begin at 4:15 PM PKT, while the second match will start at 9:15 PM PKT.

Lahore Whites will open their campaign against Peshawar on the opening day of the tournament before facing Faisalabad in their second group-stage match on March 9.

Updated Lahore Whites squad: Aamir Jamal (c), Ali Raza, Ali Shahid Butt, Farhan Yousuf (U21), Babar Azam, Imran Dogar, Junaid Ali (wk), Kamran Afzal, Mohammad Faiq, Ahmed Daniyal, Mohammad Salman, Muhammad Akhlaq, Mohammad Mohsin, Mohammad Rameez Jnr, Muhammad Saleem, Naseem Shah, Samama Riaz, Tayyab Tahir and Ubaid Shah.

READ: Bangladesh announce squad for Pakistan ODI series

Babar dropped as Sri Lanka win toss against Pakistan

KANDY: Sri Lanka have won the toss and decided to bowl first against Pakistan in the crucial Super Eight fixture of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Playing XIs

Sri Lanka: Pathum Nissanka, Kamil Mishara (wk), Charith Asalanka, Pavan Rathnayake, Kamindu Mendis, Dasun Shanaka (c), Janith Liyanage, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, Dilshan Madushanka

Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Fakhar Zaman, Salman Agha (c), Khawaja Nafay, Usman Khan (wk), Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Usman Tariq

Head to Head

Both teams have met 29 times in T20Is, with the Green Shirts winning 17 games, whereas the Islanders have managed to win 12.

In the T20 World Cups, the two teams have met four times, with each team winning two games.

READ: Pakistan set for bold changes in Playing XI for must-win Sri Lanka clash

Former captain questions Babar Azam’s place in T20I side

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has questioned Babar Azam’s place in the T20I side, saying the batter’s approach and strike rate raise concerns amid a slump in form.

Babar, 31, has failed to rise up to the occasion in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, managing 91 runs in four innings at an average of 22.75.

Speaking on a private channel, Latif questioned Babar Azam’s inclusion in the national side after his exclusion due to his approach in the shorter format.

“Babar is no longer a player of this format”.“Where did it improve? Why did you bring him back?” he questioned.

The wicket-keeper batter also scrutinized Pakistan’s approach with the bat, noting that modern-day batting demands batters play aggressively in response to changing situations.

He further remarked that a batter puts pressure on his fellow player after consuming 20 to 25 balls without playing aggressively.

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He also emphasized that set batters must take responsibility and bat deep, especially when partners are struggling to score freely.

It is worth mentioning that Babar was recalled to the national side in the home series against South Africa.

Babar, also the leading run-scorer in T20Is, was dropped from the side in December 2024 due to concerns about his strike rate. He also missed several key assignments for the Pakistan team, including the Asia Cup 2025, in the meantime.

Since his return to the T20I side, Babar has only scored 373 runs in 15 innings at an average of 24.87. He managed to cross the fifty-run mark on three occasions, with 74 his highest score.

Interestingly, his strike rate is also on the lower side, which is 82.08, as compared to his overall T20I career, which is 128.02.

READ: Sahibzada Farhan climbs to career-best third in ICC T20I rankings

Mike Hesson explains Babar Azam demotion in Namibia clash

COLOMBO: Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has revealed reason behind Babar Azam’s demotion in the batting order during the Namibia clash in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Speaking to the media ahead of New Zealand fixture, Hesson cited Babar Azam’s strike rate in the first six overs, stating that the batter is aware of his strike rate in the World Cup.

“I think Babar is well aware that his strike rate in the power play in the World Cup is less than 100 and that’s clearly not the role we think we need,” Hesson told reporters after Pakistan’s final practice session on Friday was washed out by rain.

“We brought Babar back in for a specific role post the Asia Cup,” he added.

The head coach also said that there are several other options available to step in and fulfill that role, and Babar himself recognizes this.

“We’ve got plenty of other options who can come in and perform that role towards the end. Babar is actually the first to acknowledge that, ” he continued.

“He knows that he’s got a certain set of skills that the team requires and there are certain times where other players can perform that role more efficiently,” the 51-year-old said.

Mike Hesson also emphasizes Pacer Salman Mirza’s recent performance, calling him unlucky to miss out on the high-stakes India-Pakistan fixture.

“We made a call that Salman Mirza was coming in for Shaheen, and he bowled incredibly well,” he said.

“To be fair, he was probably really unlucky to not be playing the second and third games.”

He concluded by acknowledging that New Zealand is well aware of the conditions and they must do their best to emerge victorious.

“New Zealand have played a huge amount in the subcontinent in recent times so we have to play at our best.”

READ: England Lions outplay Pakistan Shaheens in series opener

Usman Tariq defends out-of-form Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi

COLOMBO: Pakistan mystery spinner Usman Tariq has thrown his support behind senior stars Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 clash against Namibia, scheduled to be played at the Sinhalese Sports Club on Wednesday.

The reassurance comes in the wake of Pakistan’s disappointing defeat to India, a result that drew heavy criticism towards the team’s senior players.

Babar managed just five runs in the high-pressure clash, while Shaheen conceded 31 runs in his two overs, leaving fans and analysts questioning their form.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Usman Tariq highlighted the immense contributions of the experienced duo and urged patience, stressing that ups and downs are part of the sport.

He expressed confidence that the team would bounce back strongly in the upcoming fixture.

“Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi have won many matches for us. Winning and losing are part of the game. Going forward, you will see us play well,” Tariq said.

The spinner also shed light on the team’s internal review process following setbacks, noting that the focus remains on identifying mistakes and ensuring they are not repeated.

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According to him, learning from defeat is essential for consistent performance at the highest level.

“After every match, discussions revolve around what went wrong. If one match doesn’t go well, that’s part of the game,” he added.

Tariq emphasised that the squad has actively worked on correcting errors and improving execution, insisting that unresolved mistakes, not defeats, create long-term problems.

He also addressed the mental side of the game, pointing out the importance of handling pressure in crucial matches.

“Feeling pressure is normal. Controlling it is part of the job, and we have worked on that. Right now, I don’t feel the team is under pressure,” he concluded.

Pakistan currently sit third in Group A with two wins and one defeat, holding a net run rate of -0.403.

A victory against Namibia would take them to the Super Eight stage with six points and a second-place finish in their group, only behind India.

READ: New Zealand power into Super Eight after dominant win over Canada

Ahmed Shehzad questions Babar’s T20I future

Former Pakistan batter Ahmed Shehzad has cast fresh doubt over Babar Azam’s T20I future, saying the former captain’s place in the format remains uncertain after another low score in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.

Shehzad took to X and said it might have been his last chance to prove himself.

“Babar gone once again. Maybe it was his last dance to prove his worth in this format,” Ahmed Shehzad wrote.

The right-handed batter is yet to make his mark in making significant contributions in the ongoing tournament.

He only managed 15 against the Netherlands in Pakistan’s opening match and then hit some form, making 46 off 32 balls against the USA.

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However, he couldn’t turn his start into a big score in the vital game against India.

In six T20Is against arch-rivals India, the 31-year-old has accumulated 110 runs with an average of 22 and a strike rate of 123.59, including one half-century.

He came in when Pakistan were in deep trouble at 13-3 in the first two overs.

However, Babar could not trouble the scorers much, only managing five from seven balls. He was cleaned up by Axar Patel.

For the unversed, Pakistan were outplayed by India in all departments, handing them 61 run defeat.

Ishan Kishan starred with the bat, scoring 77 runs from 40 balls, including 10 fours and three sixes.

In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for 114 in 18 overs, extending India’s record to nine wins in T20 World Cups.

READ: Agha admits poor execution after defeat to India

Babar Azam shares mindset ahead of Pakistan-India showdown

COLOMBO: Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has opened up about the pressure and emotions surrounding the much-anticipated clash against India, set to be played at the R. Premadasa Stadium on Sunday in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Babar reflected on the unmatched intensity that defines a Pakistan-India encounter, describing it as a contest that extends far beyond the boundary ropes.

He noted that such fixtures carry enormous global attention and heightened expectations, making mental composure a decisive factor.

“A Pakistan-India match is always high intensity. The whole world and the fans are involved, and expectations naturally rise,” Babar said, highlighting the magnitude of the occasion.

Drawing on years of experience in high-pressure contests, the 31-year-old stressed the importance of staying calm and blocking out external noise.

According to him, handling emotions wisely can be the difference between success and failure, particularly for younger players experiencing the hype of the rivalry for the first time.

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“We’ve learnt that the more we stay cool, relaxed, and don’t listen to what people say, the better it is. Youngsters often get excited, but if you remain tension-free and composed, it works in your favour,” he added.

Both sides head into the blockbuster clash unbeaten in the tournament so far.

Pakistan have secured wins over the Netherlands and the USA, while India have registered victories against the USA and Namibia, setting the stage for a high-stakes encounter between the arch-rivals.

Historically, India have dominated the T20I rivalry, winning 13 of the 16 meetings between the two teams, with Pakistan claiming three victories.

In T20 World Cup history, India hold a 6-1 advantage, with one match ending in a no result.

Squads

India: Suryakumar Yadav (c), Abhishek Sharma, Tilak Varma, Sanju Samson, Shivam Dube, Ishan Kishan, Hardik Pandya, Arshdeep Singh, Jasprit Bumrah, Harshit Rana, Varun Chakaravarthy, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Rinku Singh.

Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (c), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq.

READ: T20 sides ‘can’t live’ with England at their best, says Phil Salt

Ponting wants Babar at his best to take Pakistan deep in T20 World Cup

Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting has urged Babar Azam to deliver his best performance to take Pakistan forward in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.

Ponting pondered on the question regarding Babar’s performance during the latest episode of the ICC Review with host Sanjana Ganesan.

“If you’re 15 off 18 balls, you’re not just putting pressure on yourself, you’re putting pressure on the guy at the other end,” Ponting said on Babar’s knock in the opening match of the World Cup.

“That batter then knows he has to take on the responsibility of boundary scoring. Babar needs to get going early. He needs boundaries in his first few balls, otherwise the momentum of the game shifts every time he comes in.”

He mentioned the batter’s ability to hit the long ball, stressing his batting number if Pakistan wants to go deeper in the tournament.

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“To me, it looks like he’s lost a bit of his power and ball-striking ability,” the 51-year-old said.

“I defended him at the start of the tournament because big players with experience are crucial in big events. But Pakistan need the best version of Babar Azam if they want to go deep in this competition.”

“I would seriously think about batting him at No.3,” Ponting suggested.

The legendary batter suggested that Babar Azam should spend sometime int he Powerplay to capitalize on the conditions.

“If he can spend some time in the Powerplay with only two fielders out, it might help him. If he has lost a bit of power, then everything needs to be in his favour. The batters coming after him have plenty of power and can take advantage of the middle overs,” he conclcuded.

READ: T20 World Cup: Muzarabani stars as Zimbabwe ease past Oman

WATCH: Babar Azam takes stunning boundary-line catch against Netherlands

COLOMBO: Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam delivered a moment of brilliance in the field, pulling off a spectacular boundary-line catch during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 opener against the Netherlands at the Sinhalese Sports Club Ground on Saturday.

The stunning effort came on the second ball of Mohammad Nawaz’s first over, when Netherlands’ in-form batter Michael Levitt launched a shot that appeared destined to clear the ropes.

Positioned near the boundary, Babar timed his leap to perfection, plucking the ball mid-air before calmly lobbing it back to Shaheen Shah Afridi, who completed the catch to seal a memorable dismissal.

Levitt, who had looked dangerous during his brief stay, scored a brisk 24 off 15 deliveries, striking three fours and a six before falling to Pakistan’s sharp fielding effort.

Despite Levitt’s intent, the Netherlands struggled to build momentum against a disciplined Pakistan bowling attack and were eventually bowled out for 147 in the final over.

Salman Mirza led the charge with the ball, finishing as the pick of the bowlers with impressive figures of 3 for 24 in 3.5 overs.

Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed and Saim Ayub chipped in with two wickets apiece, while Shaheen Afridi claimed one to round off a collective bowling performance.

READ: Saim among four players signed by Hyderabad for PSL 11