Babar Azam And...? Batters Whom Pakistan Can Drop To Recall Imam-ul-Haq In ODIs

Debashis Sarangi

Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq [Source: AFP]Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq [Source: AFP]

Experienced Pakistan batter Imam-ul-Haq has grabbed the attention with a string of extraordinary performances of late. The stylish stroke maker is in sublime form, having struck truckloads of runs in the ongoing England One-Day Cup competition. 

While Imam has reinvented his ODI batting mojo, his recent form has certainly jeopardised the place of several Pakistan batters, who have let the team down with their poor returns. 

Why Can Pakistan Consider Recalling Imam-ul-Haq?

Criterion
Data
Innings6
Runs517
Average103.40
Strike Rate96.46
50s/100s2/3

(Imam-ul-Haq's stats in England One-Day Cup)

  • As shown in the above table, Imam-ul-Haq has showcased remarkable consistency in the England One-Day Cup. While he has smashed two fifties and three hundreds, his scoring rate of 96.46 suggests how he has excelled as a batter in testing conditions. 
  • Statistically, Pakistan have struggled to form a stable top-order in recent times. After Imam-ul-Haq's exclusion, Pakistan's top-order batters have averaged a horrendous 15.44 in ODIs. Their strike rate of 64.07 signifies how they have failed to capitalise on the powerplay field restrictions. 
  • Therefore, Imam's red-hot recent form makes it a compelling case for Pakistan to bring him back in ODIs. With the next ODI World Cup scheduled in 2027, they can give the southpaw a consistent run to stabilise their under-fire top-order ahead of the showpiece event. 

If Imam is recalled, here are three Pakistan top-order batters who could lose their spots in ODI cricket. 

Fakhar Zaman

Why could Fakhar Zaman make room for Imam-ul-Haq?

  • Despite showcasing exemplary form in ODI cricket over the years, Fakhar Zaman's fitness concerns might pave the way for his exclusion from the team. 
  • The swashbuckling southpaw could play a single game in the Champions Trophy before a knee injury sidelined him from the tournament. 
  • Although he made a quick recovery, Fakhar's hamstring injury ruled him out of the West Indies tour. So, considering he will be 37 by the next World Cup, Pakistan could look past Fakhar and give Imam a timely ODI recall to bolster their top order. 

Babar Azam

Why could Babar Azam make room for Imam-ul-Haq?

Criterion
Data
Innings11
Runs334
Average30.36
Strike Rate78.40
Scores less than 256

(Babar Azam's ODI Stats in 2025)

  • As shown in the above table, Babar Azam has been a pale shadow of himself in ODI cricket this year. Hailed for his scintillating stroke play, Babar has been inconsistent in the format, averaging just 30.36 and striking at a mediocre rate of 78.40. 
  • More importantly, he has registered six scores of less than 25, with his persistent lean patch vividly calling for his axing from the ODI setup. 
  • In such a scenario, if Pakistan bring in Sahibzada Farhan as Saim Ayub's opening partner, the in-form Imam-ul-Haq can be a potential replacement for Babar at number three in the ODI lineup. 

Abdullah Shafique

Criterion
Data
Innings15
Runs321
Average24.7
Strike Rate67.9
Single-digit scores6

(Abdullah Shafique's ODI stats since 2024)

  • Abdullah Shafique started his career as one of the most promising top-order batters. However, the stylish right-hander hasn't quite lived up to the expectations, managing 737 runs at a modest average of 29.48 and a strike rate of 78.07. 
  • His decline as an ODI batter has been more prominent since 2024, as he has struck only 321 runs, including six single-digits, across 15 innings. 
  • Therefore, Shafique's place in the ODI side is in severe threat, and Pakistan can drop him from their scheme of things to accommodate Imam at the top order.