The idea, according to sources, is to keep him fresh for the sharper end of the tournament, a move often described in cricket circles as saving the sword for the real battle.
If Babar sits out, rising talent Hasan Nawaz is likely to step in at the vital No. 5 position, while skipper Salman Ali Agha may be pushed up to No. 3, a role that demands both calm nerves and quick thinking. It’s a shuffle designed to give younger players a taste of the deep water without throwing them into the storm.
In a promising turn for Pakistan’s pace attack, Shaheen Afridi is expected to return, bringing with him the kind of firepower that often shifts the rhythm of a match. Alongside him, Naseem Shah’s comeback also appears on the cards, a move that could restore balance to the bowling lineup.
To make room for the returning quicks, Muhammad Wasim Jr. and Salman Mirza are likely to be benched, a decision the management views as part of the long game rather than a demotion.
Pakistan and Sri Lanka will face off this evening at 6 PM at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, where a lively crowd and a gripping contest are both expected. With tactical adjustments, fresh energy, and a few bold calls, Pakistan seem ready to switch gears when it matters most.
