Former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Yousuf has urged star batter Babar Azam to avoid a return to first-class cricket following a string of low scores in the recent ODI tri-series. Pakistan’s former captain managed just 118 runs across five matches at a meager average of 23.60 and a strike rate of 74.21.
Despite Shaheen Afridi confirming that Babar is slated to represent Lahore Whites in the opening round of the 2026-27 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Yousuf has strongly advised the batsman to bypass the domestic fixture. The former batting maestro believes that competing under pressure without addressing underlying mechanical flaws could severely damage the player’s confidence.
Expert Advice on Technical Flaws
Yousuf emphasized that Babar should instead seek specialized coaching in countries like England or Australia to resolve his current technical vulnerabilities before stepping back into the longest format of the game. According to the veteran, jumping straight into domestic matches risks exposing those technical deficiencies further.
- Concerns Over Form: Babar Azam finished the recent ODI tri-series with only 118 runs from five outings.
- Specialized Training Recommended: Yousuf suggested heading to academies in England or Australia for remedial coaching.
- Confidence Risks: Playing domestic red-ball matches without corrections could further erode the batter’s confidence.
- Enduring Potential: Yousuf reiterated that Babar remains Pakistan’s premier batter of this generation.
Recent Test Match Struggles
Babar’s dip in form has been a major talking point in Pakistan cricket circles, particularly in Test matches where he has not notched a century since December 2022 against New Zealand in Karachi. Since the beginning of 2023, his red-ball average has plummeted to 30.43, sitting significantly lower than his career average. During a prolonged lean patch, he endured an 18-innings stretch without scoring a single half-century past 41 runs.
Looking Ahead
While selection committees weigh domestic fixtures as a pathway to reclaiming form, opinions from former greats highlight the ongoing debate surrounding how best to manage struggling high-profile players. Whether team management heeds Yousuf’s advice or proceeds with Babar’s inclusion in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy remains to be seen as Pakistan prepares for upcoming international assignments.
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