Shoaib Akhtar claims team management weighing Babar Azam’s ODI future
Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has claimed that the national team management is considering dropping Babar Azam from the ODI squad, reigniting debate over the former captain’s place in the 50-over format.
Speaking during a private television programme, Akhtar questioned Babar’s position in the ODI side and asked the host whether he would select the batter for the team. He said the management was weighing Babar’s future but clarified that he did not want to create controversy around the player, ProPakistani reported. The remarks have reignited the Babar Azam ODI future debate.
Akhtar added that Babar should continue playing and prove through his performances that he deserves a place in the national team.
Concerns over 50-over demands
The former pacer also spoke about the challenges facing the team setup, saying that maintaining batting and bowling standards across 50 overs would be extremely difficult. He expressed hope that his assessment would prove wrong.
Akhtar’s remarks come at a sensitive time. Babar remains part of Pakistan’s ODI squad for the ongoing tri-series against England and Sri Lanka. He scored 45 runs in Pakistan’s 37-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening match and was named in the playing eleven against England in the second ODI in Rawalpindi.
Shaheen defends Babar as “backbone”
Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi recently defended Babar amid concerns over his form, describing him as the backbone of the national team. Shaheen pointed to Babar’s performance in Pakistan’s previous ODI series against Australia, where the batter scored 125 runs in three innings at an average of 41.66.
The backing matters because Babar’s ODI position has faced scrutiny before. Earlier this year, he was left out of Pakistan’s ODI squad for the Bangladesh series in March. Head coach Mike Hesson explained at the time that the decision was meant to give opportunities to emerging players rather than to drop senior cricketers.
Milestones amid the Babar Azam ODI future debate
The Babar Azam ODI future debate unfolds against a backdrop of personal milestones. Babar recently became only the fifth Pakistani batter to complete 16,000 international runs, reaching the landmark during the ODI tri-series opener against Sri Lanka.
His last ODI century came in November 2025, when an unbeaten 102 against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi ended an 807-day wait for an international hundred. That innings was his 20th ODI century, drawing him level with Saeed Anwar’s Pakistan record for the most centuries in the format. The milestone was covered in detail when Babar completed 16,000 international runs.
Babar’s standing in the squad has divided opinion before, with former players publicly criticising selection calls involving Babar and Shaheen. For now, the batter’s response will have to come on the field, with the tri-series offering an immediate stage.
FAQ
What did Shoaib Akhtar say about Babar Azam?
Akhtar claimed on a television programme that the team management is considering Babar Azam’s future in the ODI squad. He said he did not want to create controversy and that Babar should prove himself through performances.
Is Babar Azam currently in Pakistan’s ODI squad?
Yes. Babar is part of Pakistan’s squad for the ongoing ODI tri-series against England and Sri Lanka. He scored 45 in the 37-run win over Sri Lanka in the opener.
When did Babar Azam last score an ODI century?
His most recent ODI hundred was an unbeaten 102 against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi in November 2025, his 20th in the format, equalling Saeed Anwar’s Pakistan record.
