The future of Babar Azam in Pakistan's T20I setup has been a topic of intense discussion, especially considering his recent omission from the squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh and the West Indies. In light of these developments, Aqib Javed, the Director of the National High-Performance Centre (NHPC), has addressed the situation, sending a clear message about the criteria for selection and the importance of self-awareness for players.
Aqib Javed clarified that Babar Azam is not permanently excluded from the national T20 squad. Speaking at a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Aqib emphasized that team selection will continue to be based purely on performance and merit. “Whether it's Babar or any other player, the game is open to everyone. If Babar or anyone else performs well, they will earn their place,” he stated, reinforcing the idea that opportunities are available for all players who demonstrate the required form and fitness.
Since December 2024, Babar has not featured in a T20I match, leading to speculation about his role in the team's future plans. This absence followed Pakistan's disappointing performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where they were eliminated in the group stage after losses to the USA and India. The team has since been looking to provide opportunities to younger players, sparking debates about Babar Azam's strike rate and its impact on the team's overall performance in the T20 format.
Aqib delivered a direct message to Babar and other senior players who might be concerned about their positions: players must recognize which format best suits them. He highlighted that making a comeback won't be easy and that numerous challenges lie ahead. “Players are aware of which format they best fit into. There are numerous challenges ahead, and they must be prepared to face them,” Aqib added, underscoring the need for players to realistically assess their strengths and adapt to the demands of international cricket.
Furthermore, Aqib announced forward-looking initiatives for Pakistan cricket, including white-ball and red-ball training camps in July to prepare players for the Test series against South Africa and other key fixtures. A biomechanics lab is being established at the National Cricket Academy, and a women's high-performance centre will be set up in Karachi. Regional centres in Sialkot, Faisalabad, and Multan will focus on nurturing talent at the Under-13, Under-17, and Under-19 levels respectively.
Babar Azam's journey as captain has been marked by both achievements and challenges. He stepped down as the captain of the white-ball teams in October 2024,aiming to reduce his workload and concentrate on his batting. He has also previously been removed as Test captain. Babar has expressed that captaincy added a significant workload and that he wants to prioritize his performance, enjoy his batting, and spend quality time with his family.
In summary, Aqib Javed's message is clear: performance and adaptability are key to securing a place in the national T20 squad. While Babar Azam's experience and talent are undeniable, he, like all other players, must demonstrate that he is the best fit for the team's needs in the T20 format. The future direction of Pakistan cricket involves a blend of experienced players and emerging talent, with a focus on strategic development and preparation for upcoming international competitions.
