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The debate around Babar Azam refuses to slow down and now, former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood has stepped in with a strong opinion.
According to Azhar, the real issue wasn’t Babar’s form it was how he was used during the T20 World Cup.
A Century That Silenced Doubts
Speaking after Peshawar Zalmi crushed Quetta Gladiators by 118 runs at National Bank Stadium, Azhar pointed to Babar’s stunning unbeaten century as proof that the star batter is far from finished.
The innings 100 off just 52 balls wasn’t just about runs. It was a reminder of timing, control, and class. Babar looked comfortable, composed, and back in his natural rhythm.
And it’s not a one-off performance. In the ongoing Pakistan Super League, he has already crossed 400 runs, striking at an impressive rate above 140.
“Let Him Be Babar” – Azhar’s Message
Azhar didn’t hold back while explaining what he believes went wrong.
In his view, Babar was pushed away from his natural style forced to chase a role that doesn’t suit his strengths.
“He’s not a player who walks in and starts smashing from ball one,” Azhar explained. “He’s a proper batter who builds his innings.”
That’s the essence of Babar’s game calculated, elegant, and technically sound. Trying to turn him into a pure power-hitter, Azhar suggests, only disrupts what makes him effective.
The T20 World Cup Experiment That Backfired
One of the key decisions that raised eyebrows was moving Babar down the batting order during the World Cup.
For Azhar, that shift created unnecessary pressure.
Instead of anchoring the innings at the top, Babar was expected to accelerate instantly while also dealing with constant criticism about his strike rate.
And that’s where the bigger issue lies.
Pakistan, historically, hasn’t produced many batters who consistently strike at extreme rates. Expecting Babar to suddenly fit that mold ignores his real value.
“His strike rate is around 128,” Azhar noted. “But what he gives you is stability. He builds the foundation.”
In simpler terms: Babar sets the stage others finish the show.
More Than Just One Player – A System Problem?
Azhar didn’t stop at individual criticism. He expanded the conversation to the overall structure of Pakistan cricket.
According to him, there’s too much focus on immediate results rather than long-term planning.
- Players are judged too quickly
- Roles keep changing
- Consistency is missing
And perhaps most importantly there’s no stability in leadership.
Frequent changes in the coaching staff have only added to the confusion. With every new coach comes a new mindset, new strategy, and new expectations.
For players, that creates uncertainty.
“They don’t even know who’s going to be there tomorrow,” Azhar pointed out.
The Bigger Picture
Babar Azam’s situation reflects a deeper question in modern cricket:
Should every batter play the same aggressive style?
Or is there still room for players who build innings, absorb pressure, and deliver consistency?
Azhar’s stance is clear Babar was never the problem.
The way he was used might have been.
Final Thoughts
In an era obsessed with strike rates and big hits, it’s easy to overlook players who bring balance to a team.
Babar Azam remains one of those players.
And if used correctly, he’s not just effective he’s match-winning.
The real challenge isn’t changing Babar.
It’s understanding him.
Video Courtesy: myco Sports
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