Pakistan Star Batter to Make Stunning Comeback in Asia Cup 2025

The upcoming Asia Cup 2025 tournament is likely going to be packed with some of the biggest names in world cricket. With top teams like India and Pakistan set to feature in the T20I competition, fans will be in for a treat. While the teams have not been confirmed yet, there are several speculations around the potential returns of some big superstars.

Babar Azam Pakistan Comeback Likely in Asia Cup 2025?

Wasim Akram, one of the best Pakistani bowlers of all time, advocated for Babar Azam's return to the T20 side in the Asia Cup 2025. The former Pakistani bowler felt the need to have the star batter in the Pakistan Asia Cup Squad 2025, especially while chasing tricky totals in the range 140-160 in the challenging conditions in the UAE. Akram noted how Babar performed for Somerset in the 2019 season, maintaining a good strike rate to help his team secure wins. As per the all-time bowling great, Babar Azam Pakistan comeback is likely.

"If I had the authority, I would include Babar Azam in the national T20 team. The Asia Cup and then the World Cup are approaching, and we need a senior batter," said Wasim Akram in an interview with Geo News.

Babar Azam last played for Pakistan in T20Is in December 2024 in the series against South Africa. In 2 matches, the right-handed batter scored 31 runs in 24 balls at an average of 15.50, at a strike rate of 129.17, with a best score of 31(20). In the entire 2024 season, Azam scored 738 runs in 24 matches at an average of 33.55 and a strike rate of 133.21. Owing to his lack of aggression, the Pakistan Cricket Board had not considered him for the shorter format.

In his absence, Pakistan played a T20I series against New Zealand in March 2025 and lost 1-4. They later faced Bangladesh at home and won the series 3-0 in late May and early June. The 2009 T20 World Cup winners toured Bangladesh in July and lost the series 1-2. Early in August, Pakistan played the West Indies and beat them 2-1 in a thrilling series.

Will Babar Azam return to the Asia Cup 2025 Pakistan Squad?

The case for Babar Azam's return becomes stronger, as the Asia Cup 2025 will be played in the United Arab Emirates, and Pakistan will mostly play their T20 World Cup 2026 matches in Sri Lanka, where a sheet anchor is necessary in the XI. As mentioned by Akram, the 30-year-old is probably the best batter in the Pakistani lineup, who can hold one end up and allow batters around him to fire from the other end. He also ranks among the best ODI batters in the world.

Babar Azam has the experience of playing in the UAE for Pakistan and in Sri Lanka in the Lanka Premier League. Given his experience and pedigree in challenging conditions, it makes a good case for his return to the T20 side. When the T20 World Cup 2021 was played in the UAE, the former Pakistani skipper was the leading run-getter, as he scored 303 runs in 6 innings at a great average of 60.60, including four 50+ scores. Hence, he will likely be a crucial part of the Asia Cup 2025 Pakistan squad.

While Babar's form is a concern, there might not be a substitute for experience at the highest level, especially for major tournaments like the Asia Cup and the T20 World Cup, which makes the case for his comeback strong.