Babar Azam's T20 World Cup Struggles Reignite Debate on His Role and Form
The debate surrounding Babar Azam's performance at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup shows no signs of abating. Once celebrated as Pakistan's next great batting superstar, Babar has experimented with multiple roles in this edition, including opening the innings, batting in the top order, and even shifting to the middle order. So far, none of these strategic moves have yielded the desired results, leaving fans and analysts questioning his effectiveness.
Scrutiny Intensifies After England Defeat
On February 24, during Pakistan's defeat to the England national cricket team, Babar once again struggled for fluency, scoring at barely above a run-a-ball. This lackluster display has sparked fresh scrutiny over his form and the optimal utilization of his talents within the team's lineup. The ongoing tournament has become a focal point for evaluating his contributions and future in T20 international cricket.
Michael Vaughan's Perspective on Pakistan Cricket Politics
Prior to that game, former England captain Michael Vaughan commended head coach Mike Hesson for navigating what he described as the complex political landscape of Pakistan cricket. Speaking on Cricbuzz, Vaughan expressed admiration for overseas coaches who take on roles in Pakistan, acknowledging the challenges they face.
"I admire overseas coaches that go and coach in Pakistan because I can only imagine what's going on," Vaughan stated. "But Babar Azam himself, I think Mike Hesson has dealt with it brilliantly because he clearly has to play Babar Azam, and he's using him as an insurance policy. You lose two wickets; he's your insurance. He comes in at number four, and he can just play."
Babar's Value in Sri Lankan Conditions
Vaughan believes that Babar's method, even if considered outdated in the modern T20 game, still holds significant value in Sri Lankan conditions. He suggested that other batters should adopt a more aggressive approach around him, allowing Babar to anchor the innings effectively.
"In Sri Lanka, I think he's absolutely perfect for those wickets because Sri Lanka so far has been 150-180, and I think Babar's in that range. I think he'll get Pakistan to a 160-170 score," the Manchester-born cricketer explained.
"I do admire the way that Mike Hesson has probably played the politics well, and it probably doesn't give you the best chance of winning the World Cup. But I do feel on a pitch like we'll find in Pallekele, I would want a Babar Azam in my team. Absolutely, because I want someone solid who can knock the spinners around. If he strikes at 125-130, that's absolutely fine. You'll need a cameo or two from two or three of the players around you, but I would want that consistent player in the middle of the innings. I think they've dealt with it right," he added.
Challenges of Coaching in Pakistan
Vaughan also disclosed that he had extensive conversations with former Pakistan head coach Jason Gillespie, his Ashes rival, about the difficulties of working within Pakistan cricket. Gillespie had previously alleged excessive interference during his tenure, highlighting the unique pressures faced by overseas coaches.
"I personally would never want to go and be an overseas coach in Pakistan. I've spoken so much to Jason Gillespie when I went over there. So, it's difficult. I just think Hesson and the team and the management – I think they've dealt with it perfectly. Absolutely perfect in what they've done," Vaughan further elaborated.
Statistical Underperformance Highlights Concerns
Statistically, Babar's campaign in the 2026 tournament has been underwhelming. He has scored 91 runs from four innings at an average of 22.75 and a strike rate of 112.34. Among batters with 90 or more runs in the competition, none has recorded a lower strike rate. Only UAE's Alishan Sharafu, with a strike rate of 112.40, comes close to matching this figure.
Across his entire T20 World Cup career, Babar has featured in 23 matches, scoring 640 runs from 21 innings at an average of 33.68 and a strike rate of 111.49. Notably, no player with 500 or more runs in the tournament's history has recorded a lower strike rate than the former Pakistan captain, underscoring the ongoing debate about his suitability for the fast-paced T20 format.
Implications for Pakistan's World Cup Campaign
The persistent questions about Babar Azam's role and form have significant implications for Pakistan's strategy and performance in the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. As the tournament progresses, the team's management must balance political considerations with on-field effectiveness to optimize their chances of success. The scrutiny on Babar serves as a microcosm of the broader challenges facing Pakistan cricket, where talent, tradition, and external pressures intersect in complex ways.
