Former cricketers react to Babar Azam opening in ODIs

Pakistan batter Babar Azam's recent underwhelming performances have fuelled discussions about his role as an opener for the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) Men's Champions Trophy 2025, set to run from February 19 to March 9.

Interim head coach Aqib Javed voiced support for Babar's promotion to the opening position during a post-match press conference following Pakistan's five-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the tri-nation ODI series final on Friday.

Javed defended the management's decision to elevate the star batter, expressing optimism that Babar would thrive in this crucial role during key matches ahead.

Javed said: "Our rationale behind the change was that if you look at the away series against South Africa, the right-hand batter 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.

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

Despite managing only one victory from three matches of the recently-concluded tri-nation ODI series, Javed remained confident in the squad's ability to "do great" in the upcoming tournament, suggesting that it has all the basis covered.

In contrast, other former cricketers have criticised and opposed this decision in light of Babar's persistent poor performances in recent months.

During the tri-nation ODI series final against New Zealand, Babar struggled to make an impact, recording scores of 10 (23), 23 (19) and 29 (34) in three matches, including the final in Karachi.

As a result, former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir voiced discontent over Babar's role as an opener in ODIs, asserting that the star batter is better suited on the No. 3 position.

During a recent interview, Amir highlighted Babar's strength in building an innings from No. 3, where he can effectively anchor the batting lineup.

He stressed the importance of defined batting roles in longer formats, emphasising that an opener's approach in ODIs and Tests differs from that in T20 cricket.

"As I have said before, if I don’t get to bowl with the new ball, I won't be able to utilise my strength. Similarly, Babar's strength is at No. 3, where he knows how to construct an innings. The role of an opener in T20s is different from that in ODIs and Tests," Amir stated.

"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," he added.

Additionally, ex-Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez suggested that the team management should opt for Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq or Shan Masood to partner Fakhar Zaman at the top, allowing Babar to return to his preferred position.

“Shan Masood, Imam-ul-Haq or Abdullah Shafique, take any one as opener & let Babar Azam play at no 3 in Champions trophy. Make things easier for everyone,” Hafeez wrote on X.

Furthermore, former South African cricketer Herschelle Gibbs, who previously worked with Babar as the head coach of Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), took a dig at the former Pakistan captain’s English proficiency while responding to a fan on social media.

He also claimed that Babar is reluctant to adapt his game despite receiving suggestions that could enhance his performance.

On Thursday, a fan urged Gibbs to offer Babar advice to help him overcome his recent struggles with the bat.

The 50-year-old responded on X, stating that communicating with Babar is challenging due to the language barrier.

"Language is an issue with Babar… as you know, his English isn't great, so it’s difficult to get points across to him," Gibbs wrote.

The former opening batter further opined that Babar's batting style and tempo have remained unchanged since his stint with Karachi Kings, despite his evolving role in international cricket.

"It was the first time I worked with him, so for me, it was more of an observation than anything else. But what I've seen since then is that he hasn't changed his approach — he still plays with the same tempo and the same shots," he said.

Historically, Babar has thrived at the third position in ODIs, amassing a remarkable number of runs.

Batting on this position, Babar has scored 5,416 runs in 104 matches at an impressive average of 60.17 and a strike rate of 88.33, with 29 half-centuries and 19 centuries to his name.