3 Players Who Could Make Way for Babar Azam’s Pakistan Return

The Resurrection of a Legend: Babar Azam‘s PSL Masterclass

Babar Azam has once again proven why he is considered one of the finest batters in modern cricket. Following a turbulent period that saw him face severe criticism after a lackluster T20 World Cup, the 31-year-old responded in the most emphatic way possible. By leading Peshawar Zalmi to their second PSL title, Babar did not just captain his side with tactical brilliance—he led from the front with the bat, silencing critics who suggested his time at the top was coming to an end.

Scoring an incredible 588 runs across 11 innings, Babar maintained an astonishing average of 73.50, finishing as the tournament’s leading run-getter. This performance was not merely a statistical success; it was a loud, clear message to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selectors that he is ready to reclaim his spot in the national white-ball setup.

Given his current form, the conversation around the Pakistan team has shifted from whether Babar Azam should be dropped to how quickly the selectors can reintegrate him. Below, we analyze three players whose spots could potentially be sacrificed to bring the veteran back into the fold.

1. Saim Ayub (T20Is)

The most likely change in the T20I setup involves young talent Saim Ayub. While Babar Azam was not officially discarded from the T20I squad, his future looked precarious following the T20 World Cup 2026. However, his resurgence in the PSL makes his inclusion in the top order almost mandatory for Pakistan’s stability.

Saim Ayub has struggled to cement his place, managing only 70 runs during the T20 World Cup and a underwhelming 258 runs in 13 PSL innings. As Pakistan looks to maximize Babar’s efficiency as an opener—a role where he thrives—Saim Ayub finds himself in a difficult position. If the PCB decides to prioritize the experience and current form of the Peshawar Zalmi captain, Ayub is the primary candidate to be sidelined.

2. Shamyl Hussain (ODIs)

The situation in the ODI format is perhaps even more critical for the PCB. Babar Azam was controversially dropped from the ODI squad following the T20 World Cup, a move that left many fans questioning the direction of the national team. If the selectors choose to rectify this move, 21-year-old Shamyl Hussain is likely the player to make way.

Hussain made his debut during the post-World Cup tour of Bangladesh, but his performance did not live up to expectations. Across two innings, he managed a mere 10 runs, failing to provide the stability required at the international level. Babar Azam’s return would offer the team the technical security it currently lacks, making this a logical swap for the selectors.

3. Sahibzada Farhan (ODIs)

Another intriguing name on the chopping block is Sahibzada Farhan. While Farhan has shown flashes of brilliance in T20 cricket, his transition to the fifty-over format has been rocky. During the same Bangladesh tour, Farhan scored just 64 runs in three innings, failing to replicate his shorter-format heroics in the ODI arena.

If the PCB management feels that Babar Azam should take charge as the opening anchor in ODIs to stabilize the batting order, Farhan’s spot becomes redundant. Given that Farhan is still finding his feet in international cricket, the PCB may opt to favor the proven pedigree of Babar Azam to bolster the top order.

The Road Ahead

Babar Azam’s journey back to the Pakistan team is a testament to his mental fortitude and dedication. While the debate regarding team composition is always fierce in Pakistan, the data suggests that the return of a batter in his current rhythm is a move the PCB cannot afford to ignore. As fans wait for the official squad announcements, it is clear that the selectors have a challenging task ahead, balancing the development of younger players with the necessity of winning games with their most reliable star.

Whether the PCB chooses to drop these specific players or shuffle the order entirely remains to be seen. Regardless, the “Babar Factor” is back, and his presence in the squad could be the catalyst Pakistan needs to find consistency in their white-ball cricket once again.