Babar Azam’s T20 World Cup Place in Doubt Amid Ongoing Form Concerns

Pakistan’s preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup have entered a sensitive phase as questions continue to grow around Babar Azam’s place in the squad. Once considered an automatic selection across all formats, the former captain is now facing serious scrutiny due to his inconsistent performances in recent T20 internationals and leagues.

I strongly believe that constant social media criticism and repeated comments from retired cricketers on TV shows have put unnecessary pressure on Babar Azam to play with so-called high intent in T20 cricket. This external noise has forced him to move away from his natural game, which has ultimately affected his form.

Babar Azam is technically one of the most complete batters in modern cricket, and his strength has always been shot selection, timing, and consistency. Instead of trying to prove that he is a power-hitter or playing careless shots to satisfy public opinion, he should trust his natural instincts. In T20 internationals, Babar is at his best when he plays on merit, rotates the strike, and accelerates at the right moments, rather than forcing an aggressive style that does not suit his game.

While Babar remains one of Pakistan’s most accomplished batters, cricket is a game where current form often outweighs past reputation, especially in a fast-paced format like T20.

Recent Performances Raise Selection Questions

Over the past several months, Babar Azam has struggled to find consistency in T20 cricket. His strike rate has frequently come under criticism, particularly during powerplays where modern T20 demands quick acceleration.

Selectors and team management are reportedly concerned that:

• Babar’s slow starts put pressure on the middle order

• His inability to dominate spin in the middle overs limits scoring options

• Pakistan’s overall run rate suffers against stronger bowling attacks

Since Pakistan’s matches will be played in Sri Lanka, where most pitches traditionally offer significant turn, the team will need a technically sound batter who can handle spin effectively. Such a player would be crucial in navigating challenging turning tracks, anchoring the innings, and preserving wickets during the middle overs. This stability would allow Pakistan to accelerate confidently in the final stages of the innings, maximizing their scoring potential when it matters most.

Competition for Top-Order Spots Intensifies

Pakistan’s talent pool has expanded significantly, with several players pushing hard for top-order roles. Young batters and aggressive openers have delivered impactful performances in recent series and leagues, strengthening the argument for a more attacking approach.

With limited squad slots available, selectors may prioritize:

• Strike rate over averages

• Match impact over consistency

• Flexibility against varied bowling attacks

This growing competition makes Babar’s position less secure than it once appeared.

Experience Still Counts in High-Pressure Tournaments

Despite the criticism, Babar Azam’s supporters point to his experience on the world stage as a crucial factor. Few Pakistani players have played as many global tournaments, and his calm presence in high-pressure situations has often helped stabilize the team.

Key arguments in his favor include:

• Proven ability against top international sides

• Leadership experience in ICC tournaments

• Technical solidity on challenging pitches

For selectors, the dilemma is clear: stick with experience or embrace a new attacking template.

Selection Dilemma Ahead of Final Squad Announcement

As the T20 World Cup squad announcement approaches, Pakistan’s selection committee faces a defining decision. Dropping a player of Babar Azam’s stature would be bold — but modern T20 cricket leaves little room for sentiment.

If Babar regains form in upcoming matches, the debate may fade quickly. However, if struggles continue, Pakistan could witness one of its most significant selection calls in recent World Cup history.

What This Means for Pakistan’s T20 Strategy

This situation reflects a broader shift in Pakistan’s T20 approach. The team appears increasingly focused on:

• Aggressive starts

• Higher run rates

• Adaptability to different match conditions

Whether Babar Azam fits into that evolving strategy remains the biggest question heading into the tournament.

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