Babar Azam must deliver in CT 2025 or risk being axed: Shoaib Akhtar

Shoaib Akhtar urges Babar Azam to score three centuries in the Champions Trophy to secure his future.

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Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has set a high bar for Babar Azam’s future in one-day internationals and T20 cricket.

Shoaib Akhtar has warned that Babar must score three centuries in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan to retain his place in the national team.

Shoaib Akhtar, speaking on a TV show, said that Babar’s career is on the line due to the recent change in the Pakistan white-ball team management under Aqib Javed.

Babar’s recent form has raised concerns. After a disappointing series against Australia last month, where he managed just 47 runs in three T20Is and 80 runs in the ODI series.

Shoaib Akhtar, while acknowledging Babar’s star status, stated that the new management expects results and that the top-order batsman needs to deliver in the Champions Trophy. “He will have to score three match-winning hundreds; otherwise, the path is going to be difficult for him,” he said.

The Champions Trophy, set to take place in Pakistan early next year, has become a critical tournament for Babar. Shoaib Akhtar believes that this competition will be a defining moment for the 30-year-old batter, who has been one of the leading figures in Pakistan's batting line-up for the last few years.

Babar’s Test form has also been under scrutiny. He was dropped from the squad during the series against England after struggling with an average of just 20.7 since 2023.

His last significant score came over a year ago, with a knock of 161 against New Zealand in Karachi. The extended run of low scores has added to the pressure on Babar, who has been backed by Akhtar to make a comeback.

Earlier, former Australian cricketer Ricky Ponting suggested that Babar could benefit from a break, similar to what Virat Kohli did in 2022 to rediscover his form. Ricky Ponting recommended that Babar step away from the game temporarily to refresh himself, as he believes Babar has the potential to be one of the best in world cricket when at his best.

India raises objection to proposed formula for Champions Trophy 2025

After years, Pakistan was set to host an ICC event early next year, with preparations for the Champions Trophy progressing smoothly. However, India’s announcement of its unwillingness to tour Pakistan has complicated matters.

Recently, PCB officials met ICC top executives in Dubai, while PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi discussed the issue with BCCI Secretary Jay Shah via video call. During these discussions, the PCB proposed a "Partnership or Fusion Formula."

Under this arrangement, teams from both nations would play their matches at a neutral venue, Dubai, for all ICC events hosted by either country over the next three years. The proposal aims to establish fairness and resolve longstanding tensions.

Historically, the PCB has been cautious about deals with the BCCI. During the Big Three negotiations, the BCCI had promised mutual cooperation, but later reneged on these assurances. Learning from this, the PCB now seeks ICC involvement for any formal agreements.

While the BCCI initially showed interest in the formula, progress has stalled. On Sunday, the BCCI cited a holiday as a reason for delay, followed by UAE office closures on Monday and Tuesday. With Jay Shah starting his tenure as ICC chairman, the matter remains unresolved.