Babar turns to padel tennis after Champions Trophy disappointment

LAHORE: After Pakistan’s early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, former captain Babar Azam has been seen unwinding with a game of padel tennis alongside his brothers, fellow cricketers, and friends.

Following the national team's elimination, players returned home last week, with many taking a break from cricket. Babar, however, has found a new recreational outlet in padel tennis.

He has been spotted on the court with cricketers Imam-ul-Haq and Usman Qadir, as well as his brothers, enjoying some downtime after a challenging tournament.

Pakistan’s next international assignment is a tour of New Zealand, where they will face the hosts in a T20 series.

However, sources indicate that Babar Azam is unlikely to be included in the T20 squad for the series. A final decision regarding his participation in the ODI squad is still pending.

Meanwhile, selectors are expected to introduce young players in the T20 squad for the New Zealand tour as part of a team rebuilding strategy following poor performance of the national team in the ICC Champions Trophy, as per sources.

The national team is scheduled to leave for New Zealand on March 12, where the first phase of the 5 T20I series will begin from March 16.

This decision aligns with Pakistan’s long-term strategy for the 2026 T20 World Cup, set to be hosted in India and Sri Lanka.

Captain Mohammad Rizwan will be rested as part of this overhaul. All-rounder Shadab Khan is reportedly being considered to take over the captaincy role.

Several cricketers are expected to be dropped from the squad, including Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Tayyab Tahir and Kamran Ghulam.

The cricketers likely to be included are Mohammad Haris, Sufiyan Muqeem, Arafat Minhas, Irfan Khan Niazi, Zaman Khan, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Abbas Afridi, Jahandad Khan.

Former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq is expected to take over as the national cricket team's head coach.

According to insiders, Saqlain has agreed to the role after a meeting with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.

He is likely to assume his responsibilities before Pakistan’s upcoming tour of New Zealand, where the team is set to play five T20Is and three ODIs from March 16 to April 5.