Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan has revealed the batting position of the star batter Babar Azam ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to commence tomorrow.
Babar, who has been Pakistan’s mainstay at the number three position, was promoted to open the innings with Fakhar Zaman in the recently concluded tri-nation ODI series.
However, his performance in this new role has been disappointing, as he returned with scores of 10, 23, and 29, sparking discussions about the decision to move him to the opening spot.
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While speaking at the pre-tournament press conference, Mohammad Rizwan confirmed that Babar Azam would continue in his new role as an opener.
“It’s not that we don’t have options; we do have. But if you look at the conditions, Babar is the right man to open,” said Rizwan.
“We are not sure about reports of Babar not opening the batting. We want genuine openers, but given the current needs of the team, we thought that Babar should open as he is a technically strong batter. He is our opener,” he said.
He further shed light on the ace pacer Haris Rauf’s availability for the opening match of the Champions Trophy against New Zealand.
“Haris Rauf bowled 80% yesterday, and now he is bowling in full rhythm. He is fit and available for the team,” Rizwan stated.
For the unversed, the defending champions and hosts Pakistan will begin their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a game against New Zealand on February 19.
They will then travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the much-awaited clash against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23. Pakistan will then return home to face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.
Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025
Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
READ: Champions Trophy: Mohammad Rizwan provides update on Haris Rauf’s availability