It seems Pakistan’s Babar Azam experiment didn’t last too long. After being left out of the Asia Cup 2025 squad due to concerns over his strike rate, the former captain is now on the verge of making a comeback for the upcoming home T20I series against South Africa.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had taken a bold step by sidelining Babar and Mohammad Rizwan, hoping that a fresh batting approach would carry the team forward. But back-to-back defeats against India exposed the fragile top order, forcing selectors to reconsider their stance.

Pakistan’s struggle without Babar

Pakistan’s batting in the Asia Cup has been far from convincing. While bowlers and middle-order players have kept the side afloat, the top-order failures have become a glaring issue. Mohammad Haris, who was given the gloves and a crucial batting role, has failed to justify his place. According to reports, Rizwan could also be recalled if Haris doesn’t improve in the remaining matches.

Interestingly, Saleem Khaliq of The Express Tribune revealed that the PCB had already explored the possibility of sending Babar to the UAE midway through the Asia Cup. However, organisers ruled that squad changes could only be made in case of injury, leaving Pakistan stuck with their initial choices.

Captaincy uncertainty

Another key development surrounds Salman Ali Agha. Appointed as T20I captain for the Asia Cup, his future in both leadership and playing roles depends heavily on his performances. If he fails to deliver, PCB may not hesitate to remove him from the setup altogether.

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The return of stability

Babar Azam’s return seems almost inevitable now. Despite criticism over his strike rate, he remains one of Pakistan’s most reliable run-getters and is currently the second-highest run scorer in T20I history, just behind Rohit Sharma. His calm presence at the crease is something the current Pakistan batting unit has sorely missed.

Head coach Mike Hesson has always maintained that the door for Babar’s return was never shut, and insiders suggest he too supported the decision to bring him back. With the 2026 T20 World Cup approaching, stability in the batting lineup is essential and Babar is expected to provide just that.

South Africa series the turning point?

If all goes as expected, Babar will return for the three-match T20I series against South Africa in Pakistan, scheduled from October 28 to November 1. It will mark his first T20I appearance since December 2024 and could be the start of Pakistan reshaping its team balance with an eye on the future.

For now, the big question remains, will Babar walk straight back into his role as an opener, or will Pakistan look to slot him in differently? Either way, his comeback is set to be one of the most closely followed storylines in Pakistan cricket this season.