Babar Azam, PCB Take Inspiration From 'Sachin Tendulkar' Ahead Of Champions Trophy 2025- Here's How

Add as a preferred source on Google

In a strategic shift ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy, Babar Azam will open the innings for Pakistan for only the third time in his illustrious ODI career.

This move comes after young opener Saim Ayub sustained an injury during the Test series against South Africa, ruling him out of action for at least two months.

With Ayub's unavailability confirmed, the Pakistan selectors turned to Babar, who readily accepted the challenge.

According to a reliable PCB source who spoke to PTI, "A day after Saim got injured it became clear that he would be out of cricket for at least two months making him an unlikely starter for the Champions Trophy." The selectors, Azhar Ali and Aaqib Javed, approached Babar with the proposal, drawing a comparison to Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar. Tendulkar transitioned from the middle-order to an opener after 69 ODIs, making an immediate impact with a blistering 82 off 49 balls against New Zealand in Auckland in 1994. Tendulkar eventually became the first player to score a double century in ODIs and retired as one of the greatest batters in cricket history.

As a matter of fact, Babar has only opened twice in ODIs, scoring an unbeaten 62 and a modest 4 against England back in 2015. The selectors believe that Babar's extensive experience as an opener in T20 cricket will ease his transition in the 50-over format. "The selectors told Babar they felt he could also emulate what Tendulkar had done as an opener as he had already opened a lot in T20 cricket. Babar after giving it due thought agreed to the challenge," the source added.

This decision is not limited to the Champions Trophy but extends to Pakistan's future ODI plans. In addition to adjusting the top order, the selectors have bolstered the middle-order and all-round options. Khushdil Shah, Faheem Ashraf, and Usman Khan have been recalled, while Saud Shakeel remains in the squad as a backup. The selectors opted against relying on Imam-ul-Haq or other openers, showcasing their confidence in Babar's ability to adapt and excel in this new role.

Babar's shift to the top of the order marks a significant change in the Men in Green's ODI strategy, with expectations high for him to replicate the success of legendary openers before him.