Pakistan Head Coach Aaqib Javed openly threatens Babar Azam to perform or else..

Pakistan's interim head coach, Aqib Javed, has backed Babar Azam to continue opening for the national team as they prepare for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. Aqib Javed stated that they made this decision to make good use of the powerplay, with pitches not troubling the batters at the start.

The Mohammad Rizwan-led team suffered a five-wicket loss against New Zealand in the final at the National Stadium in Karachi on Friday, February 14. They failed to defend 242 runs in the summit clash, as the Kiwis chased down the target in 45.2 overs to secure the trophy before the Champions Trophy.

Babar Azam Had to Bat in the First Over in All Games - Aqib Javed

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Aqib Javed defended the decision to promote Babar Azam as an opener. Javed stated that the conditions were favorable for batting early on and that Babar could utilize the powerplay. He added that Babar would deliver big performances in crucial matches.

"Our rationale behind the change was that if you look at the away series against South Africa, Babar Azam had to bat in the first over in all games. Then Saim got injured and he had to open in Tests too. These pitches are not troubling the batters at the start, we wanted our best batter to make good use of the powerplay, that suits us more," said Javed.

“So, I think, in these conditions, Babar should open and I am hopeful that he will play a big innings in important matches,” he added.

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— Aizal Khan (@_aizalkhan) February 14, 2025

Babar Azam Dismissed Against Pacers Inside the Powerplay in All Three Innings

Babar Azam has been under scrutiny ahead of the tournament, especially after a lackluster Tri-Series against New Zealand and South Africa at home. He failed to make an impact at the top of the order in three consecutive innings. The right-handed batter scored just 29 runs off 34 balls in the final.

The 30-year-old recorded 10 (23) against New Zealand and 23 (19) against South Africa in the group stage. He ended the series with 62 runs at an average of 20.67 and a strike rate of 81.58. A major concern was his struggle against pace, as he was dismissed inside the powerplay in all three innings.

Pakistan Set to Commence Champions Trophy Campaign on February 19

The Champions Trophy is set to take place from February 19 to March 9. Matches will be hosted across three venues in Pakistan, and India will play their fixtures in Dubai in a hybrid model. Arch-rivals India and Pakistan are placed in Group A alongside Bangladesh and New Zealand in an eight-team event.

Pakistan will commence their campaign against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19. Their highly anticipated clash against India will be played at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23. They will conclude their group stage with a match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

Also read: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Kane Williamson & Co. in shock as New Zealand star gets ruled out of CT