Lahore, June 16, 2025: Director of the National High-Performance Centre (NHPC), Aqib Javed, on Monday hinted at the possible return of star batter Babar Azam to Pakistan’s T20 squad, linking selection purely to performance.
Addressing a press conference in Lahore, Aqib emphasized a merit-based approach, stating that the door to the national team remains open for any player who proves themselves through performance.
“Whether it’s Babar or any other player, the game is open to everyone. If Babar or anyone else performs well, they will earn their place,” Aqib said. “Players are smart enough to understand where they fit in terms of formats, and they must be ready to face challenges accordingly.”
He also clarified that there is no conflict with ODI captain Mohammad Rizwan, saying, “We’ve worked together and continue to have a good understanding.”
Looking ahead to the new ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, Aqib announced a series of white-ball and red-ball training camps aimed at preparing players for upcoming series, particularly the red-ball tour against South Africa.
“Coach Mike Hesson believes in working with a larger group initially. A white-ball camp is planned for July, with a broader training camp preceding it to include players from both formats,” he shared.
In a key development, Aqib also unveiled plans to revamp high-performance centres across the country. A dedicated women’s high-performance centre will be set up at the Karachi academy. Sialkot will cater to Under-13 players, Faisalabad to Under-17, and Multan to Under-19 cricketers. The National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Lahore will continue to focus on national-level players.
“These centres are crucial for developing future talent and ensuring we have a strong pipeline for all formats,” Aqib concluded.
