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Former Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has been the centre of scrutiny as he failed in the middle-order role he was given for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026. After benching Babar, Pakistan posted a daunting total of 212/8 against Sri Lanka in a must-win game on February 28. While the middle-order problem for Pakistan continued, Babar may face the axe from selections, at least in the T20Is. However, former India Test cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara feels that the team management needs to have honest conversations with the 31-year-old and give him clarity. He doesn't feel it is fair to pin all the blame on Babar for Pakistan's horrible run in the tournament leading to an exit from Super 8 stage.
"There has to be an honest conversation with Babar Azam. If he is not in the team's plans going forward, that message needs to come clearly from the management. He needs to know where he stands," Pujara said on Star Sports.
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"It would be unfair to place all the blame on Babar. There is a lot of focus on him, but ultimately, it is the unit that has failed. The middle order needs serious attention, and that has to be addressed.”
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Babar’s numbers in T20 World Cup 2026
Babar played six games in the tournament, scoring 91 runs from four innings at an average of 22.75 and strike rate of 112.34. His only notable knock of 46 came against USA. He departed for a single-digit score against India, inviting widespread scrutiny.
Pujara praises Fakhar
In addition, Pakistan lauded Fakhar Zaman who came off the bench and scored a blazing 42-ball 84, sharing a 176-run opening partnership with centurion Sahibzada Farhan.
"Fakhar Zaman at the top of the order looks really good and sets the tone for this Pakistan side. This is how Pakistan have played their best T20 cricket, fearless and aggressive, going after bowlers from ball one. That 176-run stand was outstanding and a reminder of what this team is capable of. They have done it before, and they will need to do it again," the 38-year-old added.
After Pakistan’s Super 8 exit from the T20 World Cup 2026, not just Babar, but several players may face the axe, including skipper Salman Agha. Pakistan have been disappointing in the last four ICC white-ball events, facing early exits.
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