Virat Kohli to Babar Azam: Find the names of batters with most T20I runs in India vs Pakistan clashes ahead of Asia Cup 2025, Super Four meeting.
Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson also weighed in during the squad announcement of Asia Cup, pointing out areas where Babar still needs improvement.
Babar Azam showcased his all-around skills in an exhibition match between the all-star Legends XI and PSL's Peshawar Zalmi.
Due to the exclusion of both Babar Azam and fellow veteran batter Mohammad Rizwan from Pakistan's 2025 Asia Cup squad, the controversy comes at a delicate moment.
Salman Ali Agha will lead Pakistan at the Asia Cup starting on September 9. The team is placed with Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and India in Group A.
Both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been absent from T20 internationals since December 2024.
Compared to last year's list of 27 contracted players, the PCB has expanded the pool to 30, including 12 fresh additions.
On September 12, Pakistan will play their first Asia Cup Group A match against Oman in Dubai. Two days later, they will play their bitter rivals, India, at the same venue.
Pakistan’s next assignment is on August 29, when they face Afghanistan in a tri-series also involving the United Arab Emirates.
Although there are reasons for concern regarding Pakistan's performance in the ODI, it is important to remember that the Asia Cup will be played in T20 format, where the squad has performed better.
Between June 2019 and August 2023, Babar's performances consistently surpassed previous records, solidifying his status as the nation's next major star. Soon after, he started to be compared to the then-beleaguered Indian batsman, Virat Kohli.
Rohit Sharma is an ODI legend with 32 hundreds, third highest in the all time list after Virat Kohli (51) and Sachin Tendulkar (49).
Pakistan vs West Indies 3rd ODI Live Streaming: Pakistan took the lead with a win in the opening game, but the West Indies hit back in style, triumphing in a rain-affected second ODI.
The third and final match in the ODI series is scheduled for Tuesday.
Pakistan vs West Indies 2nd ODI Live Streaming: In the first ODI, Pakistan’s bowling attack proved too strong — spearhead Afridi bagged 4 wickets, while Shah claimed 3, dismantling the Caribbean batting line-up.
Mohammad Rizwan called sharply, "Kaptaana!" from behind the stumps. The irony was obvious: Babar was the team's captain until he resigned following the 2023 World Cup.
The three seniors have not been picked in the national T20 squad for Pakistan’s last two series against New Zealand and Bangladesh.
In the video, Babar Azam can be seen confronting a fan, following which many more gather around. Then he turns around and shoves a person before storming off the scene.
The government had earlier this week blocked 16 Pakistani YouTube channels for allegedly disseminating "false, provocative and communally sensitive content" about India.
Babar Azam struggled against Mohammed Amir and was also hit on the helmet by the pacer's bouncer during his stay in the middle.
Babar Azam led Pakistan's run chase with 78 from 83 balls but when he was out his team slumped, losing seven wickets for 22 runs.
Saeed Ajmal emphasized that every cricketer experiences a slump in form and that Babar Azam deserves patience and support.
Pakistan play five T20s and three ODIs in New Zealand starting March 16.
Babar Azam was blamed for his slow knock of 64 off 90 balls in the Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand.
Babar Azam served as Pakistan's captain from late 2019 until late 2023 before stepping down following the 2023 World Cup.