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Who should open for Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025?
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FearlessRoar
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Sohaib Maqsood while talking on his youtube channel:
"The question is, will Babar Azam open the batting in the Champions Trophy? After the press conference with the coach and the captain, it's clear that Babar Azam will open."
"Even if Babar Azam performs well as an opener, I still believe he should not open because Pakistan's middle order has been settled for the last few years. Babar Azam has been playing in the middle order for so many years, so moving him to open would disrupt his rhythm."
"The biggest difference between an opener and a middle-order batsman is the initial powerplay period. As an opener, you're expected to score boundaries rather than rotate the strike easily."
"The question is, will Babar Azam open the batting in the Champions Trophy? After the press conference with the coach and the captain, it's clear that Babar Azam will open."
"Even if Babar Azam performs well as an opener, I still believe he should not open because Pakistan's middle order has been settled for the last few years. Babar Azam has been playing in the middle order for so many years, so moving him to open would disrupt his rhythm."
"The biggest difference between an opener and a middle-order batsman is the initial powerplay period. As an opener, you're expected to score boundaries rather than rotate the strike easily."
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Usman and Fakhar
FearlessRoar
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Mohammad Hafeez, while speaking on a show on a media platform:
"For God's sake, bring Babar to number three. If he has any anger or ego, set it aside and just think for Pakistan cricket."
"If Babar, the best ODI player, comes back at number three, then slots three, four, and five get sorted. So, open up slot seven. First, let’s talk about three, four, and five—Babar, Rizwan, and Salman Ali Agha. These are very important slots, and they will be sorted. You now have a regular, good opener in Imam, who has returned to the team."
"For God's sake, bring Babar to number three. If he has any anger or ego, set it aside and just think for Pakistan cricket."
"If Babar, the best ODI player, comes back at number three, then slots three, four, and five get sorted. So, open up slot seven. First, let’s talk about three, four, and five—Babar, Rizwan, and Salman Ali Agha. These are very important slots, and they will be sorted. You now have a regular, good opener in Imam, who has returned to the team."
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I think Pakistan should try Usman now along with Imam and bring Babar to the 1 down position...
FearlessRoar
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Fawad Alam during a TV show:
"Opening the innings is very difficult, not easy, but it depends on the captain—how much confidence he gives you and how much he backs you. That backing is very important."
"As for Babar Azam, there’s no doubt about his ability. But given where he is today, what he has already achieved, and how long he has been playing, I don’t think psychology matters for him. I don’t think so."
"Yes, for Tayyab Tahir, it will be a little difficult. He has been playing at No. 6, and suddenly, he is being asked to open for Pakistan in an ICC event. That won’t be easy for him."
"On the other hand, if he clicks, then things will become much easier for him moving forward. The next game is India vs. Pakistan. Exactly. If he even scores 50 or 60 against India or plays a good innings, it will be a big boost for him."
"So, I think this is a chance for him, and he can grab it. Because no matter what, if the management or the captain tells you to do something, you have to do it—whether you do it willingly or unwillingly."
"Opening the innings is very difficult, not easy, but it depends on the captain—how much confidence he gives you and how much he backs you. That backing is very important."
"As for Babar Azam, there’s no doubt about his ability. But given where he is today, what he has already achieved, and how long he has been playing, I don’t think psychology matters for him. I don’t think so."
"Yes, for Tayyab Tahir, it will be a little difficult. He has been playing at No. 6, and suddenly, he is being asked to open for Pakistan in an ICC event. That won’t be easy for him."
"On the other hand, if he clicks, then things will become much easier for him moving forward. The next game is India vs. Pakistan. Exactly. If he even scores 50 or 60 against India or plays a good innings, it will be a big boost for him."
"So, I think this is a chance for him, and he can grab it. Because no matter what, if the management or the captain tells you to do something, you have to do it—whether you do it willingly or unwillingly."
SpiritOf1903
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Shaheen and Rizwan
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FearlessRoar
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Pakistan have included Imam-ul-Haq in their Champions Trophy 2025 squad after opener Fakhar Zaman was ruled out with a knee injury.
Imam and Babar Azam have an impressive record together in ODIs.
Imam and Babar Azam have an impressive record together in ODIs.
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