Aqib Javed Advocates for Babar Azam as Opener in Champions Trophy
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Synopsis
Aqib Javed, Pakistan's interim head coach, supports Babar Azam as the opener for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Despite recent defeats, he believes the team has the potential for success.
Key Takeaways
- Aqib Javed backs Babar Azam as opener.
- Champions Trophy 2025 runs from February 19 to March 9.
- Team aims to utilize Babar's skills in powerplay.
- Confidence in squad's abilities despite recent losses.
- Need for variety with all-rounders in the team.
Karachi, Feb 15 (NationPress) The interim head coach of Pakistan, Aqib Javed, has expressed his unwavering support for Babar Azam to maintain his role as the opening batsman for the team in the lead-up to the eagerly awaited ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to take place from February 19 to March 9.
After Pakistan's recent five-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the final of the tri-nation ODI series, Javed addressed the queries regarding Babar's elevation to the opening slot. He backed the management's choice to promote the standout batter and conveyed optimism that the former captain would excel in this position in the upcoming critical matches.
“The reasoning behind this shift was based on the away series against South Africa, where Babar had to bat in the first over during all matches. Following Saim's injury, he also had to open in Tests. The pitches we are encountering do not pose significant challenges for the batters initially; we aimed for our best hitter to capitalize on the powerplay, which is more advantageous for us,” said Aqib during the post-match press briefing.
“Thus, I believe that in these conditions, Babar should take the opening role, and I am optimistic that he will deliver a significant innings in vital matches,” he added.
Despite achieving only one victory out of three games in the recently concluded tri-nation ODI series, Javed remains confident in the squad's ability to “perform exceptionally well” in the forthcoming tournament, emphasizing that the team has all the essential components ready.
“This team will excel in the Champions Trophy. If this team bats effectively down to number eight, we can achieve scores of 350. If Haris Rauf regains fitness and finds form alongside Naseem and Shaheen, as well as our spinners, this lineup possesses everything needed to overcome any opponent,” Javed stated.
“We needed to include both a spin all-rounder and a pace all-rounder, which is why Khushdil and Faheem are part of the team. Variety is essential during tournaments,” he added.
Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali criticized the decision to promote Babar as an opener in the absence of Saim Ayub.
“Had you won the tri-nation series, your confidence would have been elevated, and each player's confidence level would have soared,” Basit remarked on his YouTube channel.
“Who advised Babar Azam to open? I am baffled by that person. What absurdity this is. He was performing admirably at number three, scoring between 50-70 runs against South Africa, but they halted that too.
“Now, he has merely 62 runs in three matches in the tri-series. This is the approach and mindset,” he lamented.
Pakistan will commence their Champions Trophy journey against New Zealand in the tournament's opening match in Karachi on February 19.
