By Zainab Shafiq 
Pakistan’s cricket selectors are once again in the spotlight, as pressure mounts on the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to reconsider its strategy following back-to-back losses against India. The biggest talking point? Babar Azam returns to international cricket, a decision that appears increasingly likely as officials look to stabilize a faltering T20 lineup.
For nearly a year, Pakistan’s most celebrated batter has been absent from the T20I squad, sidelined after his strike rate was questioned. In his place, selectors Aaqib Javed and head coach Mike Hesson promoted fresh faces, hoping to inject urgency into the batting order. However, with the experiment yielding poor results, the absence of senior anchors like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan is being felt more than ever.
Interestingly, Babar was close to joining the Asia Cup squad in Dubai earlier this month, but tournament organizers blocked the move since no player was ruled out through injury. The failed attempt has further intensified the debate around his future role.
Babar Azam Returns to International Cricket, But Selection Dilemma Continues
Sources now confirm that Babar is being lined up for the upcoming T20I series against South Africa. While his inclusion looks all but certain, what remains unclear is the position he will occupy in the batting order. Will he return as an opener or be slotted in the middle order to steady innings when collapses occur?
Adding another twist, Salman Ali Agha’s captaincy future hangs in the balance, dependent on his remaining Asia Cup performances. Meanwhile, Mohammad Haris’ ongoing struggles behind the stumps could open the door for Rizwan’s reinstatement as wicketkeeper.
The internal politics of the selection committee have also played a role. A senior member, known for backing Salman, has openly claimed responsibility for ending Babar’s dominance in the squad. But those sentiments seem to be losing ground in the wake of Pakistan’s repeated batting failures.
Babar’s track record speaks volumes. He is the fastest to 5,000 ODI runs, the second-highest run-scorer in T20 internationals (4,223 runs) after India’s Rohit Sharma, and sits among the top players with most career fifties. These numbers underline why many believe it’s only a matter of time before Babar Azam returns to international cricket and reclaims his role as the backbone of Pakistan’s batting.
Also, see:
CPL 2025 Stats: Most Runs, Wickets, Sixes & Other Records
Himadullah Sohoo