Star Pakistani batter and former captain, Babar Azam, is reportedly set to be rested for Pakistan’s upcoming white-ball tour of Zimbabwe. According to sources, Babar, along with star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, will likely miss the three-match ODI and T20I series in November. The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) selection committee is considering leaving out 4 to 5 key players, allowing younger talents to gain valuable experience in foreign conditions.
This decision follows Pakistan’s inconsistent performances in recent series, particularly their disappointing start in the Test series against England. Although the team made a strong comeback in the second Test, selectors seem keen to rotate the squad and give the younger players a chance to shine. Babar, who was also excluded from the last two Tests against England due to poor form, could use this break to regain his focus and work on his game.
Also Read: Twitter Reactions: New Zealand Women Claim First-Ever T20 World Cup Title
In Babar’s absence, Kamran Ghulam, who batted at No. 4 in the second Test, made an immediate impact by scoring a century, further motivating the selection committee to consider giving more opportunities to upcoming players. Similarly, fast bowler Naseem Shah and former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed were also excluded from the squad, indicating the selection panel’s intent to rejuvenate the side with fresh faces.
The white-ball series in Zimbabwe, beginning on November 24, is seen as a crucial platform for these young players to showcase their potential and stake their claim for future selections. PCB is optimistic that resting key players will not only give the squad depth but also ensure that senior players are well-rested for tougher series ahead, including a much-anticipated tour of Australia in November.
Virender Sehwag’s Advice to Babar Azam۔
Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag also weighed in on Babar Azam’s recent struggles, advising the star batter to return to domestic cricket to regain his confidence. Sehwag believes that Babar’s slump is more mental than technical, and that a break from international cricket could help him reset and return stronger. Speaking on Shoaib Akhtar’s YouTube channel, Sehwag emphasized the need for mental resilience, noting that expectations had taken a toll on Babar’s performance.
Pakistan’s selectors face the challenge of balancing the development of new talent with ensuring that experienced players like Babar and Shaheen are in peak condition for future competitions. While the final decision on the resting of key players will be confirmed soon, this approach signals a forward-thinking strategy aimed at long-term success for Pakistan cricket.
