Fakhar’s injury sparks Babar Azam return debate ahead of Asia Cup

Dubai: Fakhar Zaman’s hamstring injury has reignited debate over Babar Azam’s return to Pakistan’s T20I squad ahead of the Asia Cup in the UAE next month.

Fakhar, 35, sustained the injury during the second T20I against the West Indies in Lauderhill while chasing a ball in the outfield. He was ruled out of the third game and the ODI series, and has returned to Pakistan for rehabilitation under the supervision of the medical team at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore. While the extent of his injury is still being assessed, his Asia Cup participation is now in serious doubt.

The PCB is expected to announce its squad for the ACC Men’s Asia Cup and a preceding tri-nation T20I series in Sharjah next week. While selectors have so far backed a youth-focused approach, Fakhar’s absence may force a rethink — and Babar Azam is once again in the frame.

The former captain, who hasn’t featured in a T20I since December 2024, has endured a lean run in the format, averaging just 26 across his last 10 matches without a half-century. His last stint as T20I captain ended after Pakistan’s disappointing 2024 World Cup campaign. Since then, the board has moved to invest in emerging names like Salman Ali Agha, who captained Pakistan to series win over the West Indies last week.

According to media reports, sources within the selection panel suggest that Babar has not been ruled out. His recent meeting with PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi and coach Mike Hesson, alongside ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan and Naseem Shah, underlines that he remains part of the larger national plan.

Pakistan begin their tri-series campaign on August 29 in Sharjah, facing Afghanistan and UAE in a round-robin format. The Asia Cup clash against India on September 14 looms large — and that, some insiders believe, is exactly the kind of pressure game where Babar’s experience could prove vital.

Still, selectors remain cautious. “No formal discussions have been held on Babar yet,” a PCB official said. “The priority is to give younger players a consistent run, but we’ll reassess after the West Indies tour concludes.”

For now, all eyes are on Fakhar’s fitness report. A setback for him may well mark a comeback moment for Babar — but the final call will rest on whether the PCB sticks to its rebuilding script or opts for familiar firepower when the stakes rise.