Babar Azam's place will remain unaffected even if he fails in Champions Trophy, says former Pakistan cricketer

NEW DELHI: Former cricketer Basit Ali believes that Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam will retain his place in the team regardless of his performance in the upcoming Champions Trophy.
The tournament, set to begin in Karachi in just 17 days, will see defending champions Pakistan take on New Zealand in the opener on February 19.
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With Saim Ayub ruled out due to injury, speculation continues over who will partner Fakhar Zaman at the top of the order. During the squad announcement on Friday, national selector Asad Shafiq confirmed that both Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel are in contention for the role.

Basit expressed hope that Babar will deliver for Pakistan but emphasised that his spot in the XI remains secure, even if he struggles. According to the 54-year-old, whether Babar succeeds or fails as an opener, the outcome will ultimately favour him.
"Babar's place in the team will remain unaffected, irrespective of his performance in the Champions Trophy. I hope Babar performs. If he performs, he will say I played for Pakistan. If he doesn't perform, he will say I was forcefully made to open," Basit remarked on his YouTube channel.
Mohammad Rizwan will captain the side, having taken over the leadership following Babar’s resignation after the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Ahead of the Champions Trophy, Pakistan will participate in a tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand to fine-tune their preparations for the title defense.
The tri-series kicks off on February 8, with Pakistan facing New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium. New Zealand will then meet South Africa in a day match on February 10.
Following these games, the action moves from Rawalpindi to Karachi, where Pakistan will take on South Africa in a day/night match on February 12.
The final is scheduled for February 14 at the same venue, just five days before the Champions Trophy opener.
Pakistan squad: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Rizwan (capt, wk), Khushdil Shah, Salman Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah.