Kamran Akmal has voiced his concerns over Babar Azam’s role as an opener, arguing that the move is not only damaging his confidence but also disrupting Pakistan’s team combination. With Saim Ayub unavailable, Babar was pushed to the top of the order alongside Fakhar Zaman in the opening match of the ODI tri-series against New Zealand.
However, his struggle for form continued as he could only manage a scratchy 10 off 23 deliveries before walking back to the pavilion. Kamran believes that the decision to make Babar open has backfired, affecting both the player and the team’s stability.
Since returning from South Africa, Babar has found himself in a downward spiral. While he had looked in prime touch during the Test series there, smashing three consecutive fifties, his rhythm was disrupted once he faced the West Indies in Multan last month. His form has been inconsistent across formats, drawing increasing scrutiny with each failed innings.
His recent struggle was evident in the ODI tri-series opener, where the experiment to have him open did little to revive his confidence. The knock of 10 off 23 deliveries left him still searching for the elusive big innings he hasn’t managed since his 151-run masterclass against Nepal in August 2023.
The decline in Babar’s form can be traced back to the West Indies series, played on a turning track in Multan. Despite Pakistan securing a dominant 127-run victory in the first Test, Babar’s performance was forgettable, scoring just 8 and 5 in two innings. The second Test saw him further exposed by the spin duo of Gudakesh Motie and Kevin Sinclair. After falling cheaply for 1 in the first innings, he showed brief resistance in the second, only to be dismissed for 31.
With the Champions Trophy set to begin on February 19, Babar Azam will be desperate to rediscover his form and lead Pakistan’s batting unit with the authority he is known for. The challenge now is not just about scoring runs but regaining the confidence that once made him one of the most dependable batters in world cricket.
