Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has claimed that the national team management is considering dropping Babar Azam from the ODI squad.
Speaking during a private television program, Akhtar questioned Babar’s place in the 50-over format and asked the host whether he would select the former captain for the ODI team.
He said the management was considering Babar’s future but clarified that he did not want to create any controversy surrounding the batter.
Akhtar added that Babar should continue playing and prove through his performances that he deserves a place in the national team.
The former pacer also raised concerns about the challenges facing Aaqib Javed, saying that maintaining batting and bowling performances over 50 overs would be extremely difficult. However, he expressed hope that his assessment would prove wrong.
Akhtar’s remarks come as Babar remains part of Pakistan’s ODI squad for the ongoing tri-series against England and Sri Lanka.
Babar scored 45 runs in Pakistan’s 37-run victory over Sri Lanka in the opening match and was also named in the playing XI against England.
Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi recently defended Babar amid concerns over his form, describing him as the backbone of the national team.
Shaheen also highlighted Babar’s performance in Pakistan’s previous ODI series against Australia, where he scored 125 runs in three innings at an average of 41.66.
Earlier this year, Babar was left out of Pakistan’s ODI squad for the Bangladesh series in March. However, head coach Mike Hesson explained that the decision was intended to provide opportunities to emerging players rather than drop senior cricketers.
Meanwhile, Babar recently became the fifth Pakistani batter to complete 16,000 international runs during the ODI tri-series opener against Sri Lanka.
His last ODI century came in November 2025, when he scored an unbeaten 102 against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi, ending an 807-day wait for an international hundred.
The innings marked his 20th ODI century, equaling Saeed Anwar’s record for the most centuries by a Pakistani batter in the format.
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