Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has said questions are being raised over Babar Azam’s place in Pakistan’s ODI team, with the team management reportedly considering whether to drop him from the format.
Speaking on a national television programme, Akhtar asked the host whether he would select Babar for the ODI team and said the team management was also considering the same question.
However, Akhtar clarified that he did not want to create controversy and said he believed Babar should play. He added that the former Pakistan captain would have to prove through his performances that he remains suited to ODI cricket.
Akhtar also discussed the challenges facing Aqib Javed in managing Pakistan’s 50-over side. He said handling responsibilities in both the batting and bowling departments would be difficult, while expressing hope that his assessment would prove to be wrong.
Babar’s last Test century came in December 2022 against New Zealand in Karachi, when he scored an unbeaten 161. His most recent ODI century came in November 2025 against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi, where he remained unbeaten on 102. It was his 20th century in ODI cricket.
The Pakistan Cricket Board has included Babar in the squad for the tri-nation ODI series involving Pakistan, England and Sri Lanka. The series begins on Sunday with Pakistan facing Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi.
Babar was not included in Pakistan’s squad for the three-match T20I series against Sri Lanka earlier this month. His last T20I appearance came on February 24.