Saturday, February 22, 2025

Ricky Ponting Backs Babar Azam’s Revival as Pakistan Gears Up for Champions Trophy 2025

-

Pakistan’s Champions Trophy Hopes Rest on Babar Azam’s Form

As Pakistan prepares to defend its ICC Champions Trophy title in 2025, all eyes are on Babar Azam’s performance—a key factor that could shape their campaign. Cricket legend Ricky Ponting has weighed in on Pakistan’s efforts to revive their star batter’s form, analyzing the strategic shifts in the team’s lineup.

Ricky Ponting Backs Babar Azam’s Revival as Pakistan Gears Up for Champions Trophy 2025

Ponting on Pakistan’s Strategy

In a video posted by the ICC on Instagram, Ponting examined Pakistan’s approach, particularly the changes made to Babar’s batting position.

“I think Pakistan are trying everything they can to get Babar back in form,They’ve moved him around, left him out of a few games, and tried him at different positions—but mostly at the top. Opening the batting gives him more time to settle against the new ball and put up big scores.”

Ponting said.

Regarded as one of the best batters in world cricket, Babar has faced inconsistency in recent months. The decision to push him up the order appears to be a calculated move aimed at maximizing his time at the crease and helping him regain confidence.

Ricky Ponting Backs Babar Azam’s Revival as Pakistan Gears Up for Champions Trophy 2025

Impact of Saim Ayub’s Injury

Pakistan’s batting reshuffle comes in response to the absence of young opener Saim Ayub, who suffered an ankle injury while fielding on the first day of the second Test against South Africa in Cape Town this January. Ayub’s injury has left a gap in the top order, forcing selectors to experiment with different combinations.

Ponting acknowledged the uncertainty around Pakistan’s approach, saying, “I honestly don’t know which direction they’ll take. But I know he’s a quality player, and we’re all waiting for him to bounce back.”

Champions Trophy: A Turning Point?

Ponting also speculated that playing on home soil might provide the perfect stage for Babar’s resurgence. “Maybe this is the tournament… maybe a big event at home is what brings him back into the conversation as one of the best players in the world.”

As the tournament draws closer, Pakistan faces a crucial selection dilemma—whether to continue with Babar as an opener or adjust the lineup further. The decision could be pivotal to their title defense.

Tournament Schedule and Venues

Pakistan, the defending champions after their 2017 victory over India, will begin their campaign against New Zealand at the National Bank Cricket Stadium in Karachi.

The eight-team tournament will be played from February 19 to March 9 across four venues: Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi in Pakistan, as well as Dubai, UAE.

Pakistan’s key group-stage fixtures include a high-stakes clash against India on February 23 in Dubai and a match against Bangladesh on February 27 in Rawalpindi.

Each of the four venues—Dubai, Karachi, Lahore, and Rawalpindi—will host three group-stage matches. The first semi-final will be held on March 4 in Dubai, while the second semi-final will take place at Lahore’s newly upgraded Gaddafi Stadium on March 5.

If India does not qualify, the final will be held at the Gaddafi Stadium on March 9. However, if they do qualify, the title clash will be moved to the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

LATEST POSTS

29 Years Apart: Pakistan’s Journey from 1996 World Cup to 2025 Champions Trophy

Cricket has returned to Pakistan after 29 long years, and what a journey it has been! Back in 1996,...

Arbab Niaz or Imran Khan? Peshawar Stadium Renaming Sparks Controversy

A political storm has erupted over the decision to rename Peshawar’s historic Arbab Niaz Cricket Stadium after Imran Khan,...

ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Five Batters Ready to Set the Stage on Fire!

With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 around the corner, all eyes are on the batters who can turn the...

Most Popular