In the unpredictable world of cricket, few things are as captivating as the rise and fall of superstars. For years, Babar Azam’s elegant batting and Shaheen Shah Afridi’s searing pace spearheaded what many hailed as Pakistan’s new “Golden Era.” They were consistently top performers, carrying the hopes of a passionate cricketing nation.
However, 2025 has presented a different picture. A closer look at their statistics reveals a noticeable dip in their usual standards. Is this merely a temporary blip in form, or does it signal the end of their absolute dominance?
This article delves deep into their recent performances. It analyzes tactical shifts by opponents, the impact of fitness and mental load, and what the future might hold for them.
Where It Started Going Wrong: Timeline of Form Dip
Babar Azam’s decline began subtly after 2022, a period where his average was 58.2 in ODIs and 42.7 in T20Is. However, he saw a 30% drop by mid-2023. His strike rate followed the same pattern by declining from a healthy 92.1 to a much lower 84.5.
Here are the two main reasons behind his stunning fall in form:
Captaincy and Instability in Form
Babar Azam’s fortunes saw a massive downturn due to a terrible World Cup performance in Australia in 2022. Despite his poor form, Pakistan did manage to play the final, which insulated him from some of the criticism. In the tournament, he only scored 123 runs with a 93 average, a dismal performance from a star batsman. Later, he had an excellent home run scoring centuries: four in tests, one in ODIs, and one in T20Is, respectively.
Poor Performances in Major Tournaments
Babar was now the captain in all formats, and Pakistan was starting the WTC in Sri Lanka. What could go wrong after he had some really good performances at home? A lot.
Here are his performances in the Sri Lanka test as well as other matches before the ODI World Cup:
- 76 runs in the Sri Lanka test with an average of 25.33
- An average of 72.90 against Afghanistan in the ODI series
- 56 runs in the Asia Cup at just 18.67
The T20 World Cup didn’t bring much hope either, as Pakistan lost to Afghanistan and couldn’t even reach the semifinal. While Babar survived the poor performance of the T20 World Cup, the failures in the ODI World Cup led to severe criticism, forcing him to resign.
Captaincy Woes and 2024 Performances
The troubles didn’t end for Babar there. He was appointed captain of the ODI team again after staying away from the position for just one series. However, Pakistan lost to the US in the 2024 T20 World Cup and had a poor run overall. At the end of the tournament, Babar resigned again, despite being the second leading run-scorer in the USA phase of the tournament.
The 2024 Blow
Things took an even worse turn in 2024 when Babar went 12 test innings without scoring a fifty. During Bangladesh’s tour to Pakistan, he only managed a total of 64 in all matches, with 31 being his highest.
Then came the axe: Babar was sacked, a rare occurrence given his status in the cricketing world. Pakistan won two tests against England without Babar. Plus, he couldn’t perform well against both South Africa and Australia, although he did score a fifty against a strong South African bowling attack.
Again, his form dipped in the home series against the West Indies. He couldn’t even reach double-digit scores in three innings of the two tests. During the Champions Trophy and a tri-series, he could only manage one fifty.
Shaheen Afridi’s Timeline
Shaheeb Afridi’s career took a dramatic turn during the 2022 T20 World Cup final against England. While attempting a catch at the boundary, he landed awkwardly, damaging his right knee ligaments. The injury sidelined him for six months.
This wasn’t just a physical setback, as it disrupted his rhythm as Pakistan’s premier strike bowler. Before the injury, he got 99 wickets in just 42 test matches. His average during this period was just 28.6, an impressive feat on its own.
The Rocky Recovery and Reintegration
Shaheen returned for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2023 edition, but his comeback was rushed. PCB’s desperation to have him available for major tournaments meant he wasn’t given enough time to regain full strength. His pace dropped significantly, and his signature in-swinging yorker lost its usual bite.
After his return, he managed to take 19 wickets and wasn’t in the top three wicket takers in the 2023 PSL. In tests, he could only get 16 wickets in 10 matches, and his average jumped up to 40s.
Deep Dive: 2025 Performance Analysis
Babar Azam’s performances in 2025 have been a mixed bag, just like his last two years on the crease. While he has scored some important fifties, his overall impact has been pretty limited.
Babar Azam: Batting Stats Breakdown
A breakdown of his batting statistics this year highlights specific areas of concern.
Batting Averages
In 2025, Babar’s overall ODI average has dropped to 29.8, and his T20I average is 66.5. While specific home vs. away splits for 2025 are still limited due to ongoing series, historical data suggests he typically averages well in Pakistan.
However, recent performances, including in the Champions Trophy hosted in Pakistan, indicate struggles even in familiar conditions. This suggests a broader dip in form rather than just an away-game vulnerability.
Strike Rates
Babar’s strike rate has noticeably decreased across formats in 2025. In T20Is, his powerplay strike rate stands at 100.0, a significant drop from his previous rates, indicating a cautious or tentative approach.
In ODIs, his overall strike rate of 77.6 reflects difficulty in accelerating. It is especially true in the middle overs, where he traditionally rotates the strike and finds boundaries. This reduced aggression has often left Pakistan with challenging run rates.
Dismissal Patterns
Analysis of Babar’s 2025 dismissals shows a trend towards being out to deliveries outside off-stump, often inducing edges. He has been frequently caught behind or in the slips/gully region.
Similarly, he has been struggling against spin. Most of his recent dismissals have been against slower ballers.
Shaheen Afridi: Bowling Metrics Breakdown
Let’s review Shaheen Afridi’s record in 2025:
Wickets Per Match
- ODIs: 2 wickets in 2 matches of the Champions Trophy 2025, averaging 71.0.
- T20Is: 2 wickets in 4 matches (avg. 66.50)
- PSL 2025: Improved in later stages (10 wickets in last 4 games, including 3/24 in the final).
Death Over Economy
Here is Afridi’s death over economy in all formats:
- T20Is: 14.33
- ODIs: 14.78
These numbers make it clear that Shaheen Afridi’s performance in death overs has been below par. Combine it with his struggles in power plays, and it becomes a grim picture for the Star bowler.
Pace Drop
Before his injuries, Shaheen consistently bowled above 140 kph. However, his injury set him back several notches. His pace now ranges between 130-140, something he has acknowledged in recent times.
Tactical Shifts: Are Teams Figuring Them Out?
Recent trends suggest that teams are figuring out both Babar and Shaheen Afridi, which is why their performances have tanked. Let’s see the strategies various teams have adopted to tackle these star players.
Setting Up Babar With Wide-Line Strategy
Bowlers have increasingly employed a wide-line strategy against Babar, especially in limited overs cricket. This involves consistently bowling just outside his off-stump to make him reach the ball. Around 60% of his dismissals have come from full-length outside the off stump, and 34% on good length.
Batters Adapting to Shaheen Shah’s Bowling
Batters have figured out how to deal with Shaheen Shah. They are seeing him off in the first few overs and attacking him in the death overs. His lower pace has helped batters even more in adopting this new strategy.
Results speak for themselves. Shaheen Afridi’s performance in initial as well as death overs has suffered significantly.
Field Placements and Match-Ups
Field placements also reflect this new strategy. Against Babar Azam, teams are packing the off-stump corridor, sometimes even sacrificing the third man. On the leg side, they might keep a deep square leg or deep mid-wicket to cut off flick shots.
For Shaheen’s new ball spell, there are 2-3 slips, a gully, and a short mid-wicket. However, since his new spells haven’t really been making an impact, one can expect a wide field with a backward point or a deep square leg.
Fitness and Mental Load: Behind the Scenes
Both Babar and Shaheen have come under increasing scrutiny because of their performance. It has increased their mental fatigue and put them under immense pressure. Let’s understand how these off-field
Shaheen’s Injury Management and Impact
Shaheen Afridi’s recurring knee injuries have been a significant concern for PCBs management.
There has been an ongoing debate on whether he should have returned to cricket as soon as he did. His struggles in death overs and loss of pace have only added to these concerns. The PCB has tried to manage its workload, but the sheer volume of international and domestic cricket makes it very challenging. If he is being rushed and isn’t fully recovered, it’d eventually show up.
Because of his early return, Shaheen has had to adjust his pace. It has dropped down to 135 from its peaks that hit the 150s. Experts like Mohammed Amir have pointed to subtle biomechanical changes in the landing foot that might be affecting his force generation and the effectiveness of his deadly inswing.
Babar’s Mental Pressure and Technique
Babar Azam has also faced immense mental pressure because of various factors.
Pundits have suggested that his removal from captaincy, hasty reinstatement, and subsequent removal have only added to uncertainty. Captaincy was already burdening him, but now he is expected to perform at the top level as a pure batsman. His slow strike rates in 2025, including the Champions Trophy, have been attributed to this mental pressure.
Technical Adjustments
Babar’s poor form has invited calls for technical adjustments. For instance, the great Sunil Gavaskar has asked him to narrow the width between his legs and stand more upright. Umar Akmal has also claimed to advise Babar Azam regarding his technique against spin bowling.
Market Impact: Odds and Betting Trends
The fluctuating performances of both Babar and Shaheen have had a significant impact on betting markets. Bettors are now way more conscious about spending on these two maestros. While they were obvious choices a few years ago, the picture has changed considerably.
Shifting Odds
Their performances in 2025 have led bettors to re-evaluate their strategies. Today, Shaheen isn’t guaranteed to take 3+ wickets in most matches. Someone betting in the Total Wickets market should be wary of this reality.
Similarly, Babar’s odds for Most Runs in a match or series might have lengthened. Or, his expected fantasy points might be lower.
Babar No Longer the Top Scorer
Babar was a “banker” for a long time in the top scorer category. His consistency and ability to score bigger innings made him a reliable pick. However, his strike rate and lower average have eroded this reliability and even made him a liability for some.
Fantasy players are now much less likely to make him their captain or vice-captain. They are more likely to pick other in-form batters. Betting platforms also reflect this reality by offering more competitive odds for other players.
Shaheen’s Volatility in Total Wickets/Man of the Match Bets
Shaheen’s exploits with the new ball made him a favourite for Total Wickets and Man of the Match bets. However, his volatility in 2025 has made him a riskier choice. While he can still produce match-winning spells, his higher economy rates and inconsistent wicket-taking in death overs mean he is an unsure pick.
Historical vs Current: Are They Still Elite?
Let us now do a detailed comparison of Babar and Shaheen’s performances over the years and see their evolution. It will help you understand the dip in their performances in a more tangible way.
| Metric | Babar 2021 (ODI) | Babar 2021 (T20I) | Babar 2025 (ODI) | Babar 2025 (T20I) | Shaheen 2021 (ODI) | Shaheen 2021 (T20I) | Shaheen 2025 (ODI) | Shaheen 2025 (T20I) |
| Bat Avg / Bowl Avg | 67.5 | 37.6 | 29.8 | 66.5 | 24.37 | 22.13 | 42.6 | 66.5 |
| SR / Economy | 108.0 | 127.6 | 77.6 | 102.3 | 5.65 | 7.90 | 7.26 | 10.23 |
| Wickets per Match | — | — | — | — | 2.1 (approx) | 2.1 (approx) | 1.6 | 0.5 |
| 100s/50s | 2/1 | 1/9 | 0/1 | 0/0 | — | — | — | — |
Betting Strategy: Hold, Drop, or Target Specific Matches?
Both Babar and Shaheen have played critical roles for Pakistan on multiple occasions. However, that doesn’t mean you need to include them in all the matches you bet. You need to know when to add or drop them, depending on factors like the pitch, bowling type, and more.
When to Bet on Babar
Let’s assess Babar Azam’s performances in the subcontinent to craft a solid betting strategy:
Subcontinent and SENA
Babar remains a safe bet in home conditions, where his average is 59.35. When you compare this to his average of 34.14 outside Asia, the difference becomes clear. For instance, in the Australia tour last year, he could only manage 404 runs in eight innings, averaging 25.25. If you compare this to other top batsmen for minimum 8 tests since 2010 like Alistair Cook (average: 57.83) and Kohli (average: 54.08).
SENA is also considered a reliable metric for any player outside Asia, where Babar has struggled to perform. His SENA average is 35.51, with 15 Asian players above him like Kohli, Pant, and Angelo Matthews. He has also been struggling in SENA tests after 2023, only scoring 50+ in 8 innings out of 32.
Flat Tracks and Spin-Friendly Conditions
As mentioned before, Babar performs much better on flat Asian tracks where his records are much stronger. Whether he is playing in Pakistan, the UAE, or other Asian tracks, betting on him is safe.
However, the story of spin bowling is a bit different. He has been performing below par against spin bowlers. His average has dropped from 89.6 to 83.9, and his strike rate has fallen from 77.7 to 47.4. So, if a team has a strong spin attack, it is better not to bet on Babar currently.
Pace Attack
Josh Hazelwood (Aus) and Prabath Jayasuriya (SL) have dismissed Babar 7 and 5 times respectively. The following are the bowlers who have dismissed Babar Azam thrice:
- Alzarri Joseph (WI)
- Duanne Olivier (SA)
- Kagiso Rabada (SA)
- Keshav Maharaj (SA)
- Mitchell Starc (Aus)
- Pat Cummins (Aus)
These records aren’t pretty concerning, meaning it is safe to bet on Babar against pace attacks. But if you still want to be careful, dropping him in SENA against pacers is the right choice.
When to Back Shaheen
– Powerplay wicket markets
– Pitches with grass
– Avoid him in death-over scenarios (higher economy)
Let’s now turn our attention to Shaheen and understand when you should place a bet on him.
Powerplay Wicket Markets
Unfortunately, things have changed for the worse after his injury in 2022, and he has lost his pace too.
- In the recent tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand, he could only get 6 wickets in 3 matches and averaged 33.16.
- In the Champions Trophy, he got 2 wickets in 2 games and leaked 71 runs per game.
- During the T20I series against New Zealand, he averaged 66.50 and could only get 2 wickets.
The good news is that Shaheen might be getting his powerplay and first-over charm back. He recently snapped 3 wickets in the first 12 balls. So, look out for his power play performances in the near future.
Death Overs
Shaheen Shah could become a liability for you in death overs. His death overs’ performance certainly doesn’t match his bowling in the initial overs. You need to keep this aspect in mind, especially during T20 matches, where the final overs usually decide the match.
Future Outlook: What’s Next for Pakistan’s Superstars?
The current dip in Shaheen and Babar’s form presents a significant challenge and opportunity for Pakistan cricket. How these two superstars navigate the upcoming months will be crucial for their careers and the team’s fortunes.
Upcoming Tours/Series
Pakistan has a packed schedule ahead. After the recently concluded Champions Trophy 2025, Pakistan is set to host Bangladesh for T20Is in July 2025, followed by an away tour to the West Indies for ODIs and T20Is in July-August. August will see Afghanistan visit Pakistan for T20Is, leading into the Asia Cup in September.
This relentless schedule offers ample opportunities for Babar and Shaheen to regain form, but also risks further fatigue if not managed carefully. Key tours against South Africa and Sri Lanka are also slated for late 2025.
Potential Rest/Rotation Decisions
Given their recent struggles and heavy workload, strategic rest and rotation for both Babar and Shaheen could be vital. The PCB might consider resting them from less critical bilateral series to ensure they are fresh for high-stakes matches. This would be a crucial decision, balancing the need for match practice against the risk of burnout and injury, particularly for Shaheen.
Young Talent and Competition (Is Babar at Risk?)
Pakistan’s talent pool is continually evolving. In batting, players like Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique have shown promise. Similarly, emerging talents from PSL like Saad Masood, Muhammad Shehzad, and Arafat Minhas are pushing for national recognition.
While Babar’s place in the Test and ODI teams seems secure due to his overall record, his recent T20I form means he’s no longer an automatic pick across all formats. The competition for spots is healthy and could push him to perform.
What a Bounce-Back Would Look Like
For Babar, a bounce-back would entail regaining his confident stroke play through the off-side and improving his strike rate in white-ball cricket. Consistent scores, especially match-winning innings in pressure situations, would rebuild confidence and solidify his place.
For Shaheen, a return to his peak would involve consistently hitting higher speeds (140+ kph), showcasing lethal new-ball swing, and significantly improving his death-over economy. A few impactful spells in major tournaments would silence critics and reaffirm his status as one of the world’s premier fast bowlers.
Summary: Betting Verdict
When it comes to placing bets or making fantasy picks on Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi in 2025, a critical look at their current performance data, rather than relying on past glories, is essential.
TL;DR Table
| Player | 2025 Betting/Fantasy Verdict | Rationale |
| Babar Azam | Hold (Cautious) | Still capable of big scores, but consistency and strike rate have dipped significantly. Not a “banker” for top run-scorer; better in longer formats if form improves. |
| Shaheen Afridi | Risky Buy (Specific) | Lost some new-ball bite and expensive death overs. “Risky Buy” for overall wickets, but “Buy” for first-over wickets due to recent PSL form. Volatile for Man of the Match. |
Betting and fantasy platforms adjust their odds and player values based on recent performance. Relying on their past reputation without considering their current struggles can lead to poor decisions.
Always analyze the latest data, match-ups, pitch conditions, and the specific format when placing bets on these superstars. Their ability to bounce back is high, but the market reflects their current output, not just their potential.