Former Pakistan pacer Mohammad Amir has opened up the decision to promote star batter Babar Azam to play as an opener ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
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.
Mohammad Amir, during a recent interview, expressed his disappointment with the decision, highlighting Babar’s ability to build the innings from the number three position.
“As I’ve said before, if I don’t get to bowl with the new ball, I can’t fully utilize my strength,” Amir stated.
“Similarly, Babar’s strength is at No. 3, where he knows how to construct an innings. The role of an opener in ODIs and Tests is completely different from T20s.”
Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel
The left-arm pacer further acknowledged the importance of clearly defined batting roles in the longer formats, explaining how the mindset and approach differ between formats.
“An opener has to adapt in phases. In the first 10 overs, you need to take chances. The next 10 overs are about building a partnership,” he said.
“Babar is a top player, no doubt, but I believe No. 3 is where he belongs. When you’re struggling, you try different things, but sometimes it’s best to stick to what works.”
Previously, former cricketers Mohammad Hafeez and Basit Ali have also echoed similar sentiments, raising questions about changing Babar Azam’s batting position.
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, followed by the much-awaited clash against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23.
READ: Former cricketer slams decision to play Babar Azam as opener