The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has recently announced the 15-member squad for the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, set to take place from February 19 to March 9. However, the selection has sparked significant debate, particularly regarding the opening batting combination.

With Fakhar Zaman-the hero of Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy triumph-being the only recognized opener, the absence of Saim Ayub due to an ankle injury has created a crucial gap at the top. While Imam-ul-Haq would have been a natural replacement, boasting an impressive ODI record of 3,138 runs at an average of 48.27, the team management has instead entrusted Babar Azam with this pivotal role-one reminiscent of how India once utilized the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.

This decision signifies a major shift for Babar, who has predominantly batted at No. 3 in ODIs. His adaptability and technical prowess have led the selectors, including Asad Shafiq, to consider him for the opener’s role, alongside the possibility of Saud Shakeel stepping up.

“Fakhar’s opening partner could be either Babar or Saud, depending on conditions, opposition, and match strategy,” said Asad Shafiq. “Babar has ample experience opening in T20Is and performed admirably in the Cape Town Test, scoring two fifties in Saim Ayub’s absence.”

Babar vs. Tendulkar
– can he match the
master blaster?

The prospect of Babar Azam emulating Sachin Tendulkar’s legendary impact as an ODI opener is an intriguing one. Tendulkar, who opened for India in 340 ODIs, scored 15,310 runs at an average of 48.29, including 45 centuries and 75 half-centuries. His ability to dominate bowlers across all conditions played a pivotal role in India’s success.

In contrast, Babar has primarily played at No. 3, amassing 5,957 runs in 123 ODIs at an average of 56, with 19 centuries and 23 fifties. However, his experience as an opener in ODIs is limited-he has only opened twice, both times against England in 2015, scoring 4 and 22 runs, respectively.

Unlike Tendulkar’s aggressive-yet-adaptable approach, Babar’s style is more methodical, focusing on anchoring innings rather than launching an all-out assault. While he has excelled as a T20 opener, replicating Tendulkar’s impact in the 50-over format will require him to adapt his game, particularly by increasing his strike rate and intent in powerplays.

A calculated gamble
or a risky move?

The 2025 Champions Trophy presents a golden opportunity for Babar to cement his legacy as an ODI opener, especially with the tournament being hosted in Pakistan-a factor that could work in his favor due to familiar conditions.

However, opening in ODIs poses unique challenges, with the new ball swinging and seaming significantly more than in T20s. With Pakistan grouped alongside India, New Zealand, and Bangladesh, the margin for error is slim, and an out-of-form Babar at the top could expose an already fragile middle order.

If he thrives as an opener, it could redefine Pakistan’s approach to ODIs and provide stability at the top. If he struggles, it might place additional pressure on the likes of Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel, leaving the middle order vulnerable.

Concerns over Pakistan’s middle order selection

Beyond the opening conundrum, Pakistan’s middle-order selections have also raised eyebrows. The inclusion of Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, and Usman Khan has been met with widespread criticism.

Faheem Ashraf has played 34 ODIs, managing only 224 runs at a meager average of 10.66 and taking 26 wickets at an expensive 46.30 average. His last ODI outing, against India in the 2023 Asia Cup, saw him concede 74 runs in 10 overs without taking a wicket and scoring just 4 runs. His selection appears to be based on his BBL T20 performances, which might not translate well into ODIs.

Khushdil Shah, in 10 ODIs, has scored 199 runs (Avg: 33.16) with a highest score of 41 and has taken only two wickets (Avg: 61). He last played for Pakistan in August 2022 against the Netherlands, where he managed just two runs.

Usman Khan, picked as Pakistan’s backup wicketkeeper, is yet to make his ODI debut. While he has represented Pakistan in 18 T20Is, scoring 232 runs at an average of 15.46, thrusting him into a major tournament could prove a risky move for both Pakistan and his career.

Pakistan’s middle order, collectively, has played just over 100 ODIs-a stark contrast to India’s Virat Kohli, who alone has 295 ODI caps and nearly 14,000 runs. A more balanced squad could have included the experienced Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, or off-spinner Sajid Khan, providing much-needed depth.

Pakistan’s prospects
for the 2025 Champions Trophy

Despite these concerns, the Champions Trophy remains a crucial tournament for Pakistan, and Babar Azam’s role as an opener could significantly influence the team’s fortunes.

If Babar successfully adapts, he could provide Pakistan with a solid foundation at the top, much like Tendulkar did for India. If not, it may force mid-tournament adjustments that could disrupt Pakistan’s campaign.

Ultimately, Babar Azam’s ability to replicate Tendulkar’s success as an opener is an open question-one that will only be answered when he steps onto the field on February 19, 2025.

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