LAHORE: Pakistan’s former captain and star batter Babar Azam is set to open the innings alongside Fakhar Zaman in the upcoming Tri-Nation ODI Series and ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
The Pakistan team management has entrusted Azam with a crucial role, similar to the one legendary Sachin Tendulkar played for India.
Babar has accepted this challenge marking a significant shift from his one-down batting position, local media reported.
In the recently announced 15-member squad, Fakhar Zaman is the sole regular opener. Although Chief Selector Asad Shafiq earlier stated that the second opener’s decision would be made closer to match day, however, media reports have confirmed Babar’s selection for the role.
The decision was made after rising star Saim Ayub sustained an ankle injury on the first day of the Cape Town Test, ruling him out for 2 to 2.5 months.
This led to discussions involving Mohammad Rizwan, Aqib Javed, batting coach Shahid Aslam, and selectors, ultimately persuading Babar to open in both Tests and ODIs.
Babar has been encouraged to adopt Tendulkar’s role by aiming to anchor the innings in ODIs. The team management believes his consistency and technique will be crucial to Pakistan’s success in upcoming tournaments.
The 30-year-old batter has an impressive ODI record, scoring 5,957 runs at an average of 56 in 123 matches, including 19 centuries and 23 fifties. Though he regularly opens in T20Is, Babar has previously opened in ODIs only twice against England in 2015.
Pakistan Squad
Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Muhammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Tri-nation series
The schedule for the Tri-Nation Series has been finalised, with Pakistan and New Zealand set to meet in the opening match at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium on February 8.
New Zealand will then face South Africa on February 10, before the action moves to Karachi, where Pakistan will play South Africa at the National Bank Stadium on February 12.
The series will conclude with the final on February 14, providing all teams an opportunity to refine their lineups and strategies ahead of the Champions Trophy.
After the tri-nation series, the teams will gear up for the mega eight-team ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Kicking off on February 19 and running through March 9, this prestigious tournament promises to deliver thrilling cricket action.
Hosts Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the opening match of the event at the National Stadium in Karachi on 19 February.
🎥 Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, as of 1 February 2025 – 21 days before the venue hosts its first game of the ICC #ChampionsTrophy 2025 🏆🏟️ pic.twitter.com/eAamMH85yC
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) February 1, 2025
Pakistan has invested heavily in upgrading its cricketing infrastructure in preparation for the Tri-Nation Series and the Champions Trophy.
Three major stadiums – Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, National Stadium in Karachi, and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium – have undergone extensive renovations to meet international standards.
