Is T20 Cricket No Longer Babar Azam's Domain? Shoaib Akhtar Delivers a Stark Warning!
Lately, the cricketing world has been buzzing with discussions about Babar Azam's T20 International performance. A significant number of experts are questioning whether he still fits the bill for the fast-paced T20 format. The common sentiment is that the 31-year-old batsman hasn't evolved his game to match the increasing power-hitting demands of modern T20 cricket. Adding fuel to this debate was a recent incident in the Big Bash League (BBL) where Sydney Sixers' Steve Smith controversially denied Babar a single run on the final ball of an over, prioritizing the Power Surge. Now, with the T20 World Cup 2026 underway, Babar seems to be struggling to find his rhythm, which has only amplified these concerns.
But here's where it gets controversial... Former Pakistan speedster Shoaib Akhtar has joined the chorus, issuing a blunt assessment. He suggests that Babar should have proactively recognized that T20 Internationals might not be his strongest suit and made a decision about his career in this format accordingly.
In the current T20 World Cup 2026, Babar has managed to score just 66 runs across five matches, averaging a modest 22 with a strike rate of 115.78. A recurring theme has been his slow starts in most innings, which inevitably puts pressure on the rest of the batting lineup. To make matters worse, he's been dismissed by playing some uncharacteristic and 'horrendous shots against the Netherlands and India, essentially gifting his wicket away and allowing the opposition to gain an advantage.
Akhtar believes that for Babar to remain a consistent fixture in the T20I playing XI, the team management must prioritize his role in the opening six overs (the Powerplay). Otherwise, he argues, there simply isn't a place for him in the current setup.
“First of all, Babar should have decided that this format is not my format,” Akhtar stated on ‘Game On Hai’. “Secondly, if you wanted Babar to play, you should have ensured he played in the first six overs. It's very simple. There is no rocket science to that.”
Babar at No.4? A Strategic Conundrum?
During the T20 World Cup 2026, Babar has predominantly batted at the No.4 position for Pakistan. However, in a notable shift, he was demoted in the batting order against Namibia and didn't get a chance to bat. Prior to Pakistan's Super 8s match against New Zealand, coach Mike Hesson explained that Babar's batting position at No.4 was a consequence of his low strike rate during the powerplay.
And this is the part most people miss... Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez, however, expressed a different view, disagreeing with Hesson's assessment. Hafeez contended that Babar doesn't possess the skillset for the No.4 role and should ideally bat either as an opener or at the No.3 position.
“Our coach, Mike Hesson, gave a statement on Babar Azam, but I was not able to understand it,” Hafeez shared on the same show as Akhtar. “He said Babar is neither a batter who can make the most of the powerplay nor one who can strike it big after the 10-over mark. I tried my best to make sense of it, I heard it 15 times, but to no avail. If this is the case, then why is Babar playing?”
In a disappointing turn of events, Pakistan's Super 8s match against New Zealand in Colombo was unfortunately washed out due to rain on Saturday. Both teams were awarded 1 point each, as not a single ball was bowled at the R Premadasa Stadium.
What do you think? Is it time for Babar Azam to reconsider his T20I career, or is there a way for him to adapt and thrive? Does his current role in the Pakistan lineup truly serve him and the team best? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
