Babar Azam’s T20I career over as Pakistan star set to be axed
Pakistan’s National Cricket Team is gearing up for a series against New Zealand, and there are some surprising changes in store for the squad. Babar Azam, a prominent batter, is set to be dropped from the T20I team, as reported by Cricket Pakistan. The team management has made the decision to focus on including young players for the upcoming matches.
After a disappointing performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan is looking to regroup and put up a strong showing in the white-ball series against New Zealand. The teams are scheduled to face off in a five-match T20I series followed by a three-match ODI series later this month.
Reports suggest that Babar Azam will not feature in the T20Is, with the management still deliberating on his inclusion in the ODIs. The decision comes after Babar Azam struggled to find form in recent matches, leading to calls for his exclusion. The batter’s performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was below par, contributing to the team’s overall challenges.
Despite being promoted as an opener in the tournament, Babar Azam failed to make a significant impact with the bat. While he managed to score a fifty against New Zealand, his slow strike rate attracted criticism. His performance against India further raised concerns, leading to discussions about his future in the team.
As one of Pakistan’s top batters, Babar Azam’s lack of centuries since the Asia Cup 2023 has been a cause for worry. The team is hopeful that some time off will allow him to rediscover his form and return stronger in future matches.
The Pakistan National Cricket Team is set to depart for New Zealand on March 12, with the T20I series kicking off on March 16 and the ODI series starting on March 29. This tour marks a new beginning for the team, with a focus on nurturing young talent and building a strong foundation for the future.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has met with players who excelled in domestic cricket, hinting at potential opportunities for them in the upcoming series. With Shadab Khan expected to lead the team in the T20I matches, fans can look forward to an exciting lineup and a fresh approach to the game.
Overall, the decision to drop Babar Azam from the T20I squad signals a strategic shift towards developing emerging talent and revitalizing the team’s performance on the international stage. As Pakistan prepares to take on New Zealand, the spotlight will be on the new faces and the potential they bring to the table.
Young Talent Takes Center Stage in Pakistan’s National Cricket Team
As Pakistan’s National Cricket Team gears up for their upcoming series against New Zealand, all eyes are on the surprising changes in store for the squad. With Babar Azam, a prominent batter, set to be dropped from the T20I team, team management is signaling a shift towards prioritizing young talent for the matches ahead.
Following a disappointing performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan is on a mission to regroup and make a strong comeback in the white-ball series against New Zealand. The teams are slated to clash in a five-match T20I series followed by a three-match ODI series later this month, offering a fresh start for the team.
Reports indicating Babar Azam’s exclusion from the T20Is have sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike. While the team management is still deliberating on his involvement in the ODIs, the decision to omit Babar Azam from the T20I squad underscores the team’s commitment to infusing new energy into the lineup.
Babar Azam’s recent struggles on the field, particularly in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, have been a cause for concern. Despite being promoted as an opener during the tournament, he failed to deliver standout performances with the bat. While his fifty against New Zealand showed glimpses of his talent, his slow strike rate and underwhelming displays against India have raised questions about his form.
With Babar Azam notching up centuries infrequently since the Asia Cup 2023, the team is hopeful that this break from the squad will provide him with the opportunity to rediscover his touch and return stronger for future matches. The decision to drop him from the T20I team serves as a wake-up call for the seasoned player to reassess his game and come back with renewed vigor.
The Pakistan National Cricket Team’s departure for New Zealand on March 12 marks the beginning of a new chapter for the team. The series against New Zealand not only offers a chance to showcase emerging talent but also serves as a platform to build a solid foundation for the team’s future endeavors.
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi’s interactions with standout performers in domestic cricket hint at potential opportunities for these players in the upcoming series. With Shadab Khan expected to lead the team in the T20I matches, fans can anticipate an exciting lineup and a fresh approach to the game under his captaincy.
In essence, the decision to drop Babar Azam from the T20I squad underlines Pakistan’s strategic shift towards nurturing young talent and revitalizing the team’s performance on the global stage. As the team prepares to take on New Zealand, the spotlight will be on the new faces and the promise they bring to the table.
With a blend of experience and emerging talent, Pakistan’s National Cricket Team is poised to embark on a journey of resurgence and reinvention, setting the stage for an enthralling series against New Zealand. The series will not only test the mettle of the players but also offer a glimpse into the future direction of Pakistan cricket.


