Shoaib Akhtar says Babar Azam must prove his place in ODI side

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has said that questions are being raised over Babar Azam’s place in the ODI team. He said the team management is considering dropping him from the format.

On a television programme, the host asked him whether he would select Babar Azam in the ODI team. Shoaib Akhtar replied that the team management is also thinking along the same lines.

Shoaib Akhtar made it clear that he does not want to create any controversy. He said that in his view Babar Azam should play, but he must prove through his performance that he is the right player for ODI cricket.

He also spoke about the challenges facing Aaqib Javed in 50-over cricket. He said it would be difficult to carry out this responsibility in both batting and bowling. However, he expressed the hope that his assessment would prove wrong.