LAHORE: Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has set a high bar for Babar Azam’s future in one-day internationals and T20 cricket.

Shoaib Akhtar has warned that Babar must score three centuries in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan to retain his place in the national team. While speaking on a TV show, he said that Babar’s career is on the line due to the recent change in the Pakistan white-ball team management under Aqib Javed. Babar’s recent form has raised concerns. After a disappointing series against Australia last month, where he managed just 47 runs in three T20Is and 80 runs in the ODI series. Shoaib Akhtar, while acknowledging Babar’s star status, stated that the new management expects results and that the top-order batsman needs to deliver in the Champions Trophy. “He will have to score three match-winning hundreds; otherwise, the path is going to be difficult for him,” he said.

The Champions Trophy, set to take place in Pakistan early next year, has become a critical tournament for Babar. Shoaib Akhtar believes that this competition will be a defining moment for the 30-year-old batter, who has been one of the leading figures in Pakistan’s batting line-up for the last few years. Babar’s Test form has also been under scrutiny. He was dropped from the squad during the series against England after struggling with an average of just 20.7 since 2023.