Aqib Javed addresses Babar Azam's T20I future

Express Tribune

16-06-2025

Pakistan's high-performance director Aqib Javed clarified that no cricketer, including former captain Babar Azam, is permanently excluded from the national T20 squad, stating that team selection remains performance-based.
Speaking at a press conference held at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Aqib dismissed speculation that Babar Azam had been sidelined from Pakistan's T20 plans.
"Whether it's Babar or any other player, the game is open to everyone. If Babar or anyone else performs well, they will earn their place,' he said.
He added that players themselves are often best positioned to understand which formats suit their skillsets. 'There are numerous challenges for them, and they must be prepared to face them,' Aqib noted.
Addressing broader plans for Pakistan cricket, Aqib expressed optimism about the national side's prospects in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship cycle.
'If the process continues, Pakistan has very good prospects in this Test championship cycle. We will see Pakistan in a strong position,' he said.
He announced that both white-ball and red-ball training camps will be held in July. These sessions are designed to help prepare players for the upcoming Test series against South Africa and future white-ball fixtures.
Aqib also outlined plans for development across all levels of cricket. He revealed that a biomechanics lab is being set up at the National Cricket Academy, with renewed focus on academy-based training.
Additionally, he announced the establishment of a women's high-performance centre at the Karachi academy.
Other regional centres will be tailored for different age groups: Sialkot for Under-13, Faisalabad for Under-17, and Multan for Under-19 cricketers.