Pakistan's Babar Azam has made 66 runs in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026.
Babar Azam’s spot in Pakistan XI has come under debate thanks to his below-par performance in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 tournament. Babar has now amassed 66 runs in three innings. He failed against India with just five runs after scoring 15 against the Netherlands and 46 runs in an inning against the USA.
Pakistan then dropped him in the batting order. In Pakistan's most recent group, he was not even given the opportunity to bat. Khawaja Nafay batted at number four in a match against Namibia, while Shadab Khan entered at number five.
Pakistan's head coach, Mike Hesson, claimed that shifting Babar down the lineup was a tactical move. Despite being a top-order batsman, Babar has been assigned a new role in the World Cup batting lineup.
“Look, it’s the role the team requires, and Babar is well aware of that. We think he’s a fine player through the middle if required, especially if we’re in a bit of trouble. As we saw against the USA, once he gets set, he can increase his strike rate. We brought Babar back in for a specific role post the Asia Cup. We wanted some batsmanship through the middle, and he brings that for us,” Hesson said.
Babar did not bat against Namibia because, he noted, other players are occasionally more suitable for particular responsibilities later in the innings.
“The other day, when we got to the 12th over mark, Babar Azam was not the best person to come in. We have other options who can perform that role better in the end. Babar is the first to acknowledge that. He knows he has a certain set of skills the team requires, and at times other players can perform certain roles more efficiently,” Hesson explained.
However, some former Pakistani players are dissatisfied with the move and have attacked Hesson and Babar.
“I read this statement 15 times, but I didn’t understand, which is why I am asking you, because you are like an elder brother; maybe you’ll understand. Mike Hesson has said that Babar cannot bat in the first 6 overs because his strike rate is very low, and even after 10 overs, he cannot bat. Then why is he playing?” Mohammad Hafeez stated on the Pakistani show Game on Hai.
Former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar also criticized the decision, saying, “First of all, Babar himself should decide this format is not for him. Second, they should have sent him in during the first 6 overs. It’s not rocket science. If Babar plays, he should bat in the top three; otherwise, there’s no place for him in the team.”