Mohammad Amir blasts PCB for forcing Babar Azam to open in ODIs

Former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Amir isn't impressed with Babar Azam being asked to open the innings for the team in the ODIs. He said that the batter was better at No.3 as it was his strength and he knows how to build innings at that position.

Pakistan National Cricket Team made a massive call ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Babar Azam has been promoted up the order and this came after Saim Ayub was ruled out of the tournament due to the ankle injury that he faced during the South Africa tour.

Babar Azam registered scores of 10(23), 23(19) & 29(34) in the tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa

Babar took the role of opening in the ongoing tri-series against the New Zealand National Cricket Team and the South Africa National Cricket Team. However, he failed to deliver as he couldn't score big in the three games that he played including the final which is underway in Karachi.

Babar has registered scores of 10(23), 23(19) & 29(34) in the tri-series, and this has been the biggest cause of concern for the team, especially with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 around the corner. On the other hand, at No.3, he has been at his best and has scored truckloads of runs for his team in the 50-over format.

With Babar moving to the top, many experts and fans are of the opinion that disrupting his position wasn't a great decision. They believe that batter's best comes at No.3 and they should've let him bat in his position.

Babar Azam's strength is number 3, he knows how to build innings from there - Mohammad Amir

Mohammad Amir was the latest to join the bandwagon and he too believes that Babar Azam should bat at No.3, saying that batter's strength is to bat at 3. He stressed that batter knows how to build innings and batting positions in Tests and ODIs should be defined. Speaking on a news channel, he said:

"As I told you, my strength is that if I don't get to bowl with a new ball, I won't be able to use it because it's my strength, a new ball. And I should be picked with my strength. Babar's strength is number 3. He knows how to build innings from there. The opener's role is different in T20. In One-Day and Test, the role is different.

"He has to do it in phases. In 10 overs, I have to take a chance. In the next 10 overs, I have to build a partnership. The role is different. Babar, yes, he's a big player. But I think he should have played at number 3. This is his strength. Yes, when you're stuck, you try different things. Maybe I should take runs from here or there."

Babar Azam will be opening the innings in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as well

Babar will be opening the innings in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 as well. The Pakistan National Cricket Team management will be hopeful that the batter adapts to the role as quickly as possible as it will be a great boost for the team.

ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is all set to begin on 19th February. Pakistan will play the tournament opener against New Zealand.

Read Also: Watch: Babar Azam drops his bat in disgust after failure in PAK vs NZ Tri-series final