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'He's A Big Player:' Mohammad Amir Begs Babar Azam To Ditch Pakistan's Opening Spot

Akshita Patel

Mohammad Amir turns advisor for Babar Azam [Source: @HassanAbbasian/X.com]Mohammad Amir turns advisor for Babar Azam [Source: @HassanAbbasian/X.com]

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Ahead of the 2025 Champions Trophy, Pakistan fast bowler Mohammad Amir has advised Babar Azam to return to his original position in the batting order which is at no.3. He believes number 3 is Azam’s strength and he should give up his opening spot to score runs.

The Champions Trophy is going to be a monumental tournament for Pakistan as they are hosting an ICC tournament after decades. However, the team received a big blow as promising opener Saim Ayub was ruled out due to an ankle injury. 

Due to lack of strong and in-form openers, Pakistan decided to promote ex-captain Babar Azam to the opening slot alongside Fakhar Zaman.

However, the early signs are not ominous for the men in green as Babar managed to score only 62 runs in 3 ODIs played during the tri-nation series. 

Mohammad Amir wants Babar Azam to utilise his potential at no.3

Meanwhile, Pakistan speedster Mohammad Amir has issued a word of caution for Babar Azam. In his interview with Geo Super TV, Amir opined that Babar’s strength is at no.3 and he must ditch the opening role for the Champions Trophy.

"Babar’s strength is at No. 3, where he knows how to construct an innings. The role of an opener in T20s is different from that in ODIs and Tests. He has to do it in phases. In 10 overs, I have to take a chance. In the next 10 overs, I have to build a partnership. The role is different," Amir said.

Amir argued that opening in ODI format is different from T20Is and Tests and Babar is not equipped to adapt to that for now.

"Babar, yes, he's a big player. But I think he should have played at number 3. This is his strength. Yes, when you're stuck, you try different things. Maybe I should take runs from here or there," he added.

Aaqib Javed in favour of Babar’s opening position

Pakistan ace batsman Babar Azam has been looking to get into form in the run-up to the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, but head coach Aqib Javed has lent him his entire support.

Javed insists that Babar should continue opening for Pakistan. He believes that utilising the powerplay will help Babar regain his form. Despite criticism, the management remains confident that he will deliver in crucial matches.