“Where’s the Superstar?” Babar Azam Slammed by Former Cricketer After Poor T20 World Cup Display

LAHORE: Pakistan’s star batsman Babar Azam came under intense scrutiny after a disappointing performance against the Netherlands in the T20 World Cup 2026. His slow innings of 15 runs off 18 balls nearly derailed Pakistan’s chase, which was salvaged only by a late flourish from Faheem Ashraf, who scored 29 runs off 11 deliveries. Following the match, the debate over Babar’s place in the T20 side has intensified.

Basit Ali Criticizes Babar in Strong Terms
Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali openly criticized Babar during a television show. “He may be fine in ODIs and Tests, but for T20s, he is not the right fit,” Ali said. He also questioned the team management for not ensuring Babar bats in his preferred position. “There are several players in the team—Shadab, Usman Khan, Nawaz, Faheem—who are far better T20 batsmen than Babar,” Ali added.

“Where Is the Superstar?”
Ali further remarked, “If you call Babar Azam a superstar in ODIs or Tests, I can agree. But in T20s? A batsman who comes in at number 4, away from his regular position, and cannot communicate to management that he is not suited for that spot—where is the superstar here?”

Babar’s T20 Spot in Doubt
The pressure on Babar Azam’s T20 career comes at a critical time, with captain Salman Ali Aga emphasizing that team combinations may necessitate dropping any player. His struggles in franchise cricket, including being denied strike rotation by Steve Smith in the Big Bash League, have also fueled doubts about his T20 effectiveness. All eyes are now on Pakistan’s next match against the USA to see if Babar will retain his place in the playing XI.