Former wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal has criticized Pakistan’s decision to push star batter Babar Azam into an opening role during the ongoing tri-series ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy. With young opener Saim Ayub sidelined due to injury, the team was forced to find a temporary replacement to partner Fakhar Zaman at the top.

After much speculation, the management opted to promote Babar to open in the first ODI of the home tri-series against New Zealand in Lahore. While the duo managed to put together a 52-run stand in 60 deliveries, Babar struggled to find his rhythm, eventually getting dismissed for a sluggish 10 off 23 balls.

His slow start left Pakistan trailing in their chase of 331, resulting in a heavy 78-run defeat.

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Akmal criticized the move, emphasizing Babar’s underwhelming track record as an ODI opener.

“By making Babar open, the team’s balance is disrupted, and it’s also affecting his confidence.”

Babar Azam last opened the batting for Pakistan in ODIs back in 2015 during a series against England.

In those two innings, he managed scores of just 4 and 22 before being moved back to the middle order. At the time, Babar was still in the early stages of his international career, as these matches marked only his fifth and sixth ODI appearances, just months after making his debut.

The star batter now averages just 12 at a strike rate of 61 in three innings as an opener, a stark contrast to his dominant performances at No. 3. At his preferred position, Babar has amassed 5,416 runs in 104 innings at an impressive average of 60.17 and a strike rate of over 88.

With the Champions Trophy approaching, it remains uncertain whether Pakistan will continue experimenting with Babar at the top or revert him to his proven No. 3 position.