The Asia Cup 2025 just around the corner, discussions around Pakistan’s squad selection have intensified—particularly the continued absence of Babar Azam from the T20I side. After being dropped for the West Indies tour and omitted from three consecutive T20I series, the exclusion of one of Pakistan’s most prolific batters has raised many eyebrows.
While Pakistan have tried a mix of young and aggressive batters in Babar’s absence, the results have been inconsistent. The team faltered against New Zealand and recently struggled against Bangladesh. Fans and analysts now ask: Should Babar Azam return to add experience and class to Pakistan’s Asia Cup 2025 squad?
Babar Azam’s T20I Record: Numbers Don’t Lie
Despite his critics, Babar Azam’s T20I numbers remain impressive:
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Matches | 128 |
| Runs | 4223 |
| Fifties/100s | 36/3 |
| Strike Rate | 129.22 |
He remains one of the highest run-scorers in T20 internationals globally, rubbing shoulders with the likes of Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma. Yet, the biggest knock against him remains his strike rate—a topic of constant debate in modern T20 cricket.
Are His Replacements Really Better?
Pakistan’s new-look top order features Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, and Sahibzada Farhan. But how do their strike rates compare?
| Player | Matches | Strike Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Fakhar Zaman | 95 | 132.38 |
| Saim Ayub | 33 | 137.55 |
| Sahibzada Farhan | 12 | 127.27 |
| Babar Azam | 128 | 129.22 |
Interestingly, Babar’s strike rate surpasses that of Sahibzada Farhan and is only marginally behind Fakhar. So if the strike rate is the primary reason for Babar’s exclusion, why are others with similar or worse numbers being preferred?
Why Experience Could Be Crucial in the Asia Cup
Pakistan’s T20I side is in transition. Without Babar, they’ve failed to maintain consistency or composure under pressure. With the Asia Cup set to be hosted in the UAE—a region where Babar thrives—his experience could prove invaluable.
| UAE T20I Stats | Data |
|---|---|
| Matches | 23 |
| Runs | 763 |
| Average | 40.15 |
| Strike Rate | 119 |
Though again, his strike rate may seem low, it’s worth noting that Fakhar Zaman himself has an even lower UAE strike rate of 108.46. On slow UAE pitches, players who can anchor the innings hold great value—and that’s where Babar fits in.
Should Babar Return?
The Asia Cup 2025 will be a high-pressure tournament, and Pakistan must get their balance right. While the selectors have opted for youth and flair, the statistics suggest that Babar Azam is still among the best options at the top. His experience, especially on UAE wickets, might be just what Pakistan needs.
It’s time for the selectors to reconsider. If performance, consistency, and game awareness matter, then Babar Azam deserves a spot in the Asia Cup 2025 squad.
