Former Pakistan player predicts Babar Azam's "excuse" if he fails in Champions Trophy 2025

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali feels Babar Azam will use his batting position as an “excuse” if he fails to do well in the 2025 Champions Trophy, starting on February 19. With Saim Ayub injured, Babar is likely to open alongside Fakhar Zaman in the upcoming 50-over event.

Babar has been in terrible form in Test cricket, but his numbers in the 50-over format are as good as they come. In 30 ODI innings since 2023, the right-hander has scored 1293 runs at an average of 47.89. Babar, however, has only opened twice in ODIs, managing scores of 4 and 22.

"Babar's place in the team will remain unaffected, irrespective of his performance in the Champions Trophy. I hope Babar performs. If he performs, he will say I played for Pakistan. If he doesn't perform, he will say I was forcefully made to open," Basit said on his YouTube channel.

"Fakhar’s opening partner could be either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, depending on various factors such as conditions, opposition and match strategy. Both players are highly capable at the top of the order, with Babar being particularly seasoned in the role, regularly opening in T20Is and also excelling in the Cape Town Test by scoring two half-centuries in Saim Ayub’s absence."

Pakistan will be involved in a tri-series, including New Zealand and South Africa, before the 2025 Champions Trophy. The Men in Green will play their first game of the Champions Trophy against the Black Caps on February 19.