Asia Cup organizers block PCB's attempt to recall Babar Azam before India clash

Ahead of the Asia Cup 2025 Final against India on September 28 in Dubai, surprising news emerged from the Pakistan camp involving Babar Azam. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly made a late attempt to bring back Babar Azam to rescue the struggling batting order in the tournament.

Pakistan’s back-to-back defeats against India in the Asia Cup 2025—first in the group stage on September 14 and then again in the Super Four clash on September 21—have not only dented their campaign but also triggered urgent conversations inside the PCB.

PCB’s last-minute bid to recall Babar Azam rejected by Asia Cup organizers

This resulted in the Pakistan team management and the selectors feeling the absence of Babar in the ongoing Asia Cup 2025. Reports from the local media suggest that the PCB wanted to bring the former captain back into the squad mid-tournament.

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The board believed Babar’s experience and calm presence could steady Pakistan’s fragile batting lineup, which has been struggling to find rhythm.

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However, the Asia Cup organizers rejected the request, clarifying that a replacement could only be made if a current squad member was injured, despite the fact that PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi is the head of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC). Notably, Babar last played T20Is for Pakistan in December 2024.

Babar Azam set to replace Salman Ali Agha?

With Babar suddenly returned to contention, Pakistan’s current T20I captain Salman Ali Agha’s future as both captain and player depends on his performances in the final against India.

A Cricket Pakistan report reads, "Sources revealed that there is a strong possibility of Babar Azam's return for the T20I series against South Africa. With the batting lineup consistently failing, the absence of a senior batter is being strongly felt. The decision on Salman Ali Agha’s role as captain and player will depend on his performance in the remaining Asia Cup match.”

The report further reads, “After two recent defeats against India, PCB officials have instructed that Babar Azam be brought back into the team. A few days ago, it was even decided to send the senior batter to the UAE for the Asia Cup, but the organizers made it clear to the board that no changes could be made to the squad unless a player was injured.”

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Babar Azam leads 11-member squad in intensive red-ball camp at NCA

Meanwhile, Babar Azam is all set to return to the red-ball action as the Pakistan team gears up for a crucial Test series against South Africa at home. The PCB has summoned the former captain to a high-intensity training camp at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore.

The camp, which kicks off on Tuesday, will feature 11 players who have been asked to report on Monday at the NCA. It will run until September 28 under the watchful eyes of interim red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood, alongside the NCA’s experienced coaches and support staff.

This training camp is being seen as an important step in Pakistan’s preparation for the South Africa Tests, with selectors keen to rebuild a strong batting core. Babar, along with the likes of Abdullah Shafique, Ali Raza, Azan Awais, and Kamran Ghulam, will attend the camp in Lahore.

The camp will focus on strengthening batting techniques, improving red-ball temperament, and refining strategies ahead of the high-stakes Test series against the Proteas side at home.