Babar Azam Drops in ICC T20I Rankings Amid Return Speculations

Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam’s absence from the national T20I squad has been reflected in the latest ICC T20I rankings, where he has slipped three places. The right-handed batsman, once a mainstay in Pakistan’s lineup, now finds himself facing renewed scrutiny and swirling rumors about a potential comeback.

Ranking Slide for Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan

Babar Azam, who previously occupied the 14th position in the ICC T20I batter rankings, has now dropped to 17th. This fall comes as a result of his prolonged absence from the T20I squad. Notably, his teammate Mohammad Rizwan has also experienced a similar decline. Rizwan, who has been out of the T20I side for recent series, dropped three slots to occupy 19th place in the latest update.

Both players’ absence from the team has negatively impacted their standing, underscoring the volatile nature of the ICC rankings which are heavily influenced by recent performances and participation.

Babar’s Ouster After T20 World Cup 2024

The shake-up in the rankings follows a disappointing campaign for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup 2024, where Babar Azam captained the side in what turned out to be a lackluster performance. As the most-capped T20I captain for Pakistan, leading the side in 55 matches, Babar’s leadership was called into question, culminating in his exclusion from the squad.

His last appearance in T20Is dates back to December 2024 against South Africa. Thereafter, Babar was left out of the squads for the subsequent T20I series against New Zealand in March 2025 and Bangladesh, indicating a shift in Pakistan’s approach towards their T20 setup.

Speculation Rises on Babar Azam’s T20I Return

Despite his omission, Babar Azam’s name has remained prominent in discussions around the Pakistan T20I squad. Rumors gained traction after opening batter Fakhar Zaman was ruled out of the ongoing West Indies tour due to fitness issues. Reports emerged that the selectors were considering Babar as a replacement in case Fakhar failed to clear his fitness test.

The speculation was further fueled by suggestions that Babar could make a comeback in the squad for the upcoming tri-nation series involving the UAE and Afghanistan. Some insiders have hinted that the former captain might also be a strong candidate to step in for the Asia Cup 2025, provided he delivers strong performances in the lead-up events.

Performance in ODI Series to Influence Selection

An important factor in Babar’s potential return to the T20I side is his showing in the upcoming ODI series against the West Indies. The 30-year-old has been named in the ODI squad for the three-match away series, providing him with an opportunity to impress the selectors.

The opening match is scheduled for August 8 at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba, Trinidad. Pakistan will play the second ODI on August 10, followed by the final game on August 12. This series is seen as a critical test for Babar, with his performances likely to weigh heavily on decisions regarding his inclusion in Pakistan’s T20I plans for the future tournaments.

A Pivotal Moment for Pakistan’s Cricket Setup

With both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan out of the current T20I setup, Pakistan’s selectors face a pivotal decision regarding the composition of the squad for key upcoming tournaments. The outcome of the West Indies ODI series could play a decisive role in shaping the team for the tri-nation series and the Asia Cup 2025, as the team management keeps a close watch on player form and fitness.