Imad Stresses Adaptability in T20 Cricket, Backs Babar and Rizwan

Former Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim has voiced his strong endorsement for star batsman Babar Azam and former T20I captain Mohammad Rizwan, encouraging critics to have faith in their abilities in the T20 format.

During a recent interview with a sports outlet, Imad emphasized the significance of flexibility and a modern approach in T20 cricket.

Imad stated, “The message should be simple: if they are willing to change and want to play happily, it’s beneficial for them. They are significant players and big names for Pakistan, and fans want to see them perform this way, especially in T20 cricket.”

Addressing recent discussions about Babar Azam’s position in the national team, the 36-year-old clarified that his previous remarks were specifically related to T20 cricket and not a critique of Babar’s displays in other formats.

He clarified, “I am not referring to ODI or Test cricket. Babar has the best record in ODI cricket globally and will never be dropped. Similarly, there is no question about Babar’s Test cricket performance. In the 50-over format, you need players who can perform in a certain way, and Babar excels at this better than anyone else. One-Day cricket is entirely different.”

Imad further emphasized how vital it is for senior players to evaluate their approach in the T20 format.

He concluded, “I am referring to T20s. I think they need to consider whether they want to participate in T20 cricket. I know they are capable, and I hope they will step up and prove everyone wrong, and I will be among those who praise them.”

Notably, Babar Azam, who captained Pakistan in three consecutive ICC Men’s T20 World Cups (2021, 2022, and 2024), last played a T20I in December 2023.

Since then, he has been absent from both the home series against New Zealand in March and the current three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, which commenced on May 28 in Lahore.

Babar, who has received criticism for a decline in his T20I form, has not achieved a half-century since his 75-run innings against Ireland in May 2023. He has represented Pakistan in 128 T20Is, amassing 4,223 runs at an average of 39.83, including three centuries and 36 fifties.

Earlier this year, both Babar and Rizwan were excluded from the five-match T20I series in New Zealand as selectors aimed to provide opportunities to younger players. The pair has not returned to the T20I setup since then.

In a significant change, Mohammad Rizwan was recently removed from the T20I captaincy after leading the team in only two series.

All-rounder Salman Ali Agha was appointed as the new captain and recently led Pakistan to a commanding 3-0 series victory over Bangladesh in Lahore.