Mohammad Wasim: “Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s consistent run-scoring was a major advantage for the Pakistan cricket team; the opening partnership of Babar and Rizwan shouldn’t have been tampered with, injustice has been done to both of them”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Former chief selector Mohammad Wasim has claimed that Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were the victims of injustice after losing their places as Pakistan’s regular T20I opening pair.
Rashid Latif: “Perhaps the selectors will opt for him and Shan Masood as the opening pair. We’ll have to wait and see”
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Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif has called on the selectors to consider making Fakhar Zaman and Shan Masood the go-to openers in limited overs cricket.
Shoaib Akhtar: “There cannot be a more dangerous opening pair than this”
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Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar believes there “cannot be a more dangerous opening pair” than Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman.
Imran Nazir: “Pakistan should go with [an] attacking mindset in ODIs. Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub should open the innings for Pakistan”
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Former Pakistan batsman Imran Nazir believes Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman should be the go-to openers in ODIs.
Asad Shafiq: “Fakhar’s opening partner could be either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, depending on various factors such as conditions, opposition and match strategy”
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Pakistan selector Asad Shafiq has confirmed that Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel could open the batting with Fakhar Zaman in the 2025 Champions Trophy.
Mohammad Rizwan: “Babar Azam and I will open the batting if the team needs it and if [the] situation demands it. We will remain flexible in all situations”
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Pakistan limited overs captain Mohammad Rizwan has not ruled out the possibility of reviving his opening partnership with Babar Azam.
Shahid Afridi: “I would like to see Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub open the batting in T20s”
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Iconic Pakistan six-hitter Shahid Afridi wants to see Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub opening the batting for the men in green in T20Is.
Mike Hesson: “You need someone who’s explosive. There’s no doubt that he wasn’t in great touch but he’s a fine player”
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Former New Zealand head coach Mike Hesson firmly believes Saim Ayub is the “explosive” opening batsman Pakistan need at the top of the order.
Yasir Hameed: “If you want to try an opening pair, try Usman Khan with Rizwan, both have chemistry playing with each other and Usman [has] got 2 100s in PSL. It will be [beneficial]”
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Former Pakistan batsman Yasir Hameed believes the men in green should consider letting Mohammad Rizwan and Usman Khan open the batting in T20Is.
Sunil Gavaskar: “I was surprised to find out that Pakistan were looking to experiment and drop Rizwan or Babar down the order”
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India batting icon Sunil Gavaskar has admitted that he was surprised Pakistan decided to experiment with their opening batsmen when captain Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were doing such a good job.
