The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is seriously considering the return of former captain Babar Azam to the national T20 squad, following injury concerns surrounding opener Fakhar Zaman. Babar’s possible comeback is expected for the upcoming tri-nation series and the Asia Cup 2025.
Fakhar Zaman sustained an injury during the recent T20 series against West Indies, which has ruled him out of both the ongoing T20 and the upcoming ODI series. The PCB has instructed Fakhar to report immediately to the National Cricket Academy in Lahore, where he will undergo rehabilitation.
His availability for the Asia Cup now remains doubtful, and the board is closely monitoring his recovery process. In the meantime, alternative plans are also being prepared, and among the top contenders is Babar Azam, who is viewed as a strong candidate for the squad.
However, Babar’s inclusion depends on his performance in the ODI series against West Indies. If he manages to impress the selectors, his return to the T20 side is likely.
Recently, Babar Azam met with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi during the second T20 match against West Indies, accompanied by Mohammad Rizwan and Naseem Shah. The meeting is being seen by many as a strategic development.
The final squad for the Asia Cup is expected to be announced in the second week of August. The tournament will begin on September 9, with a Group B clash between Afghanistan and Hong Kong. A total of eight teams are divided into two groups. Pakistan and India are placed in Group A alongside UAE and Oman, while Group B includes Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, and Hong Kong.
Pakistan’s campaign will begin on September 12 against Oman, followed by the high-voltage match against India on September 14, and their final group match on September 17 against the UAE.
