Is Babar Azam Playing For Lahore Blues In National T20 Cup 2025?

Aashay Chopade

Babar Azam and Naseem Shah in National T20 Cup (Source:@dhillow_/X.com)Babar Azam and Naseem Shah in National T20 Cup (Source:@dhillow_/X.com)

Babar Azam, the star Pakistan batter, has not been in selected in the T20I squad for the tour of New Zealand and will be next seen in action at the international level in the ODI series against the Kiwis. He was not named in the squad for National T20 Cup as well, but the rumours started floating that he will play for Lahore Blues when a team sheet got leaked on social media.

Babar Azam And Naseem Shah Make Surprise Entry Into National T20 Cup

The sheet was for the 13th match of National T20 Cup where Lahore Blues are up against Karachi Whites. However, the doubts of the authenticity of the player sheet started creeping in because the match is not being telecasted and Babar Azam was not part of the official squad of Lahore Blues that was released on PCB's website. 

However, as the first innings progressed, photos of Babar Azam and Naseem Shah started pouring in. Naseem Shah was also not named in the official squad, so his photos were also surprise for many. There were also reports initially that the two of them have pulled out of the tournament. However, Naseem bowled four overs too, where he leaked 41 runs without taking a wicket, and Babar Azam walked out to open the batting in the second half.

Karachi Whites scored 171 in the first innings with their skipper Saud Shakeel hitting his second fifty of the tournament. Lahore now need Babar Azam to make his bat talk and stamp his authority over a domestic game after omission from the T20I side.