Babar Azam, Pakistan’s star batter, has been the center of attention—and not in a good way. After a forgettable performance in the T20I series against Australia, where he managed only 47 runs at an average of 15.66, questions about his place in the T20I squad began swirling.
Adding fuel to the fire, former cricketer Basit Ali boldly claimed that Babar’s T20I career might be over, especially with Aqib Javed now at the helm as Pakistan’s white-ball head coach. But Aqib had other ideas.
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The Claim That Sparked Debate
Basit Ali didn’t hold back during a local TV program. He predicted that the third T20I against Australia would be Babar’s last in the format under Aqib’s watch. He even questioned Babar’s contributions in T20Is, saying, “What kind of batsman gets dismissed before the eighth over?”
While some might view Basit’s comments as harsh, they reflect a sentiment shared by a section of fans who feel Babar hasn’t been delivering in T20Is like he used to. But is it fair to write off a player of Babar’s caliber after just one bad series?
Aqib Javed’s Perspective
Addressing the media on Wednesday, Aqib Javed tackled the swirling rumors head-on. He dismissed Basit’s claim and defended Babar’s role in the team. Aqib highlighted Babar’s consistent performances over the years, emphasizing his value to Pakistan cricket.
“Senior players like Babar and Rizwan have a value. They performed over the years for Pakistan. Every person has its own opinion, but our focus is not to target any individual,” Aqib said.
Aqib also stressed that coaching isn’t about personal preferences or targeting players. Instead, it’s about improving the overall state of Pakistan cricket.
“When you become a coach or a selector, it’s not about individual [preference]. Your goal is to improve Pakistan cricket,” he added.
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Aqib’s comments seem to reflect a broader vision. He wants to focus on team performance and development, rather than singling out players. He pointed to the recent ODI series wins, saying that victories like these are wins for Pakistan cricket, not just individual players.
This approach might be exactly what Pakistan cricket needs—an environment where players are supported, not undermined, during tough times.
The debate over Babar’s place in the T20I squad will likely continue, especially if his form doesn’t improve. But for now, Aqib Javed’s words should offer some reassurance to Babar and his fans. The star batter isn’t going anywhere, at least not yet.
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