Cricket Kitchen

Babar Azam’s Struggles Continue: Even ODI Spot Now Under Threat

August 15, 2025

 

Kathmandu – Once hailed as Pakistan’s most dependable batter, Babar Azam is now under growing scrutiny for his underwhelming performances in recent months. Once a guaranteed name on the team sheet, Babar is now fighting to retain his place in Pakistan’s ODI squad ahead of the Asia Cup 2025, which is set to begin on September 9.

His dip in form has become a serious concern for selectors and fans alike. In the recently concluded ODI series against West Indies, Babar managed just 56 runs across three matches — including a duck in the second game. This poor run has added to an already difficult year for the former captain.

So far in 2025, Babar has played 11 One Day Internationals, scoring only 334 runs at an average of 30.36 — a figure far below his career standards. Earlier in the year, he scored 174 runs in 6 ODIs against New Zealand, while managing 23 runs each in single ODIs against South Africa and India.

His form in T20 Internationals has also been dismal. He last featured in a T20I series against South Africa in December 2024, where he made just 31 runs across two matches — failing to score in the first game and managing a modest 31 in the second. The third match was washed out due to rain, and Pakistan went on to lose the series 2–0.

Despite his current slump, Babar’s career record remains impressive. He has scored 4,235 runs in 59 Tests at an average of 42.78, 6,291 runs in 134 ODIs at 54.23, and 4,223 runs in 128 T20Is at 39.84. However, in international cricket, recent form often trumps past glory, especially with major tournaments on the horizon.

As the countdown to Asia Cup 2025 begins, questions are mounting: Will the selectors back Babar Azam based on his pedigree, or will they make a bold move to look beyond him? For now, all eyes remain on Pakistan’s selection panel — and on Babar himself, to see whether he can silence his critics and reclaim his form before it’s too late.