Asia Cup 2025: Wasim Akram presses on Babar Azam's inclusion in T20I national setup

"If I had the authority, I would definitely include Babar Azam in the national T20 team. The Asia Cup and then the World Cup are approaching, and we need a senior batter. Fans may recall that when he represented Somerset in 2019, he scored runs at nearly a 150 strike rate. He has the ability to adapt his batting according to the situation," Akram said in an interview with Geo News.

The 30-year-old last represented Pakistan in a T20I format during a match against South Africa in 2024. Later, following the poor outings, he was dropped from the squad.

With the Asia Cup approach, Pakistan is still trying to find their best combination for the continental tournament.

Further pressing more on Babar's inclusion in the side, Akram said that while playing against the big teams, Pakistan need a batsman who can take the responsibility.

"When we're chasing 140 or 160, especially against big teams, we need someone who can take responsibility and carry the other 10 players along with him. Babar is among the world's best players. He adjusts his game to the format and match situation, he's done it in the past and can do it in the future as well," said the 59-year-old former cricketer.

Wasim Akram then said that Babar Azam still has a lot of cricket left in him, and it could be ideal for him to bat at number three, and it can also change depending on the situation.

"Babar still has a lot of cricket left in him and can achieve much for Pakistan. We all need to support him. The coach can play Babar at any position he wants. In my opinion, number three is ideal for him, but it will depend on the situation. If there are more overs left, someone else could also go in to bat first," concluded Akram, who has represented Pakistan in 104 Test matches.

The Asia Cup 2025 will kick off on September 9, and Pakistan will begin its campaign on September 12 against Oman at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

(With ANI Inputs)