Former captain Mohammad Hafeez has urged a change in the Pakistan team’s opening pair for the highly-anticipated clash against India at the Champions Trophy 2025, set to be played tomorrow in Dubai International Stadium.
After regular opener Saim Ayub’s injury, Pakistan was forced to change their opening pair. Pakistan’s middle-order mainstay, Babar Azam, was elevated as the opener for the tri-nation series and Champions Trophy.
However, the national side suffered another blow following the injury of opening batter Fakhar Zaman in their opening game against New Zealand on 19 February.
Left-handed batter Imam-ul-Haq was brought into the squad as his replacement for the side’s remaining games in the Champions Trophy 2025.
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As Pakistan prepares for the clash against India tomorrow, Hafeez has suggested going into the game with the opening pair of Imam-ul-Haq and Kamran Ghulam.
During an appearance on a private TV show, Hafeez reiterated his stance of restoring Babar Azam to his usual No. 3 position, where he scored most of his runs in the ODI format.
“Babar Azam has to come at No. 3. If Fakhar Zaman’s replacement as the opener and Kamran Ghulam open the inning, then our remaining batting order will be sorted out,” Hafeez said.
The former batter also emphasized that Kamran Ghulam has shown his potential by performing in Tests and ODIs for Pakistan on recent tours.
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He further emphasized the batting position of Pakistani batters for the highly anticipated clash.
“Babar will come at No. 3, Mohammad Rizwan at No. 4, and Salman Agha will bat at No. 5,” he said.
Mohammad Hafeez believed the current team combination would not benefit the side in the upcoming IND vs. PAK game at the Champions Trophy 2025.
“If we stick with the same composition, then the results will be the same,” he concluded.
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