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.
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.
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.