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"Narratives Driven By Hired Media": Shehzad Slams Babar Azam Over T20I Return Rumour

Akshita Patel

Ahmed Shehzad schools Babar Azam in scathing attack [Source: @RVCJ_FB, @Kh4N_PCT/X.com]Ahmed Shehzad schools Babar Azam in scathing attack [Source: @RVCJ_FB, @Kh4N_PCT/X.com]

Veteran Pakistani cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has strongly criticised the growing rumours about Babar Azam’s possible return to Pakistan’s T20I squad for the Asia Cup 2025, following Fakhar Zaman’s injury. He indirectly accused Babar of spreading such fake narratives through hired social media groups.

Fakhar Zaman picked up an injury during the T20I series against the West Indies and was sent back to Pakistan for rehab. Soon after, rumours broke out, suggesting Babar’s comeback to Pakistan's T20I squad for the 2025 Asia Cup. 

Ahmed Shehzad Hits Out At False Narratives Favouring Babar Azam

Speaking on his YouTube channel, senior Pakistani cricketer Ahmed Shehzad made it clear that the reports are false and unverified. He expressed concern over how quickly fake news spreads on social media.

“Since Fakhar Zaman got injured, the news has been circulating that Babar Azam is making a comeback. These are all just speculations. These narratives are pushed through specific WhatsApp groups and social media accounts that are hired for such purposes," he said.

Shehzad also questioned the timing of the rumour, calling it suspicious. He indirectly accused Babar of hiring social media experts to feed positive news about him. 

"Through these channels, an environment is created, and once it appears on social media, it spreads like wildfire. We’ve never seen a scenario where a player gets injured just a day or two ago, and suddenly talks begin about Babar Azam’s return,” he added.

Shehzad Corners Babar Over Fake Rumours

Not only that, but Ahmed Shehzad even referred to a similar situation during Pakistan’s T20I series against the West Indies, where social media claimed Babar Azam had been considered for selection but declined to make room for young players.

“There was similar chatter earlier — that Babar Azam’s name was under consideration for the T20 series against the West Indies. But according to social media reports, Babar showed great generosity by requesting his name be withdrawn to give youngsters a chance."

He then went on to question Babar’s actual record of backing young domestic players during his time as captain. 

“These identical posts are being shared across various accounts. For God’s sake, when has Babar Azam ever refused to give youngsters a chance? How many youngsters have actually been given opportunities under his captaincy? Can someone tell us how many domestic performers were backed under Babar’s leadership?"

With the Asia Cup 2025 on the horizon, Pakistan appear in a serious conundrum over their squad selection. With Fakhar Zaman injured with a hamstring strain, they need a strong opener to anchor the batting lineup.

As for Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, the senior duo fell out of Pakistan's T20I plans after a series of questionable performances. However, injuries can force a comeback.