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Basit Ali explains why Babar Azam’s position will remain unaffected in Champions Trophy 2025

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Former cricketer Basit Ali has stated that Babar Azam’s place in Pakistan’s squad will remain secure regardless of his performance in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. With the tournament set to begin in Karachi in just 17 days, Pakistan will kick off their title defense against New Zealand on February 19.

Speculation continues over who will open alongside Fakhar Zaman, especially after Saim Ayub was ruled out due to injury. During the squad announcement on Friday, national selector Asad Shafiq mentioned that both Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel are being considered as potential opening partners for Fakhar.

While Basit hopes that Babar performs well in the tournament, he believes that the star batter’s position in the team will not be affected even if he fails. He explained that no matter the outcome, Babar will have a justification for his performances. “Babar’s place in the team will remain unaffected, irrespective of his performance in the Champions Trophy. I hope Babar performs. If he performs, he will say I played for Pakistan. If he doesn’t perform, he will say I was forcefully made to open,” Basit commented on his YouTube channel.

Since stepping down as Pakistan’s captain following the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, Babar has continued to be a key figure in the squad, with Mohammad Rizwan now leading the team. Ahead of the Champions Trophy, Pakistan will compete in a tri-series featuring South Africa and New Zealand as part of their preparations.

The tri-series will begin with Pakistan facing New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium on February 8, followed by New Zealand taking on South Africa on February 10 in a day match. Pakistan will then play South Africa in a day/night match on February 12 in Rawalpindi. The final of the tri-series is scheduled for February 14 in Karachi, just five days before the Champions Trophy opener.

Pakistan squad for Champions Trophy 2025: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Rizwan (capt, wk), Khushdil Shah, Salman Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah.

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