Butt Champions Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s Continued Role in T20Is

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has voiced his support for Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, asserting that the seasoned pair still holds significance in Pakistan’s T20I setup, despite recent critique and tactical adjustments within the team.

In a recent discussion, Butt underscored the substantial and sustained contributions of both batsmen to Pakistan’s limited-overs cricket. He also encouraged fans and selectors alike to avoid prematurely dismissing their value.

Babar Azam’s Accomplishments

Butt stated, “Babar led the ICC T20I rankings for three years and is still Pakistan’s highest-scoring batter in the format. Globally, he holds the second position for most runs in T20Is, closely following India’s Rohit Sharma.”

The former Test opener recognized the right-handed batter’s recent difficulties but highlighted that experiencing periods of lower performance is typical, even among the best players.

He further commented, “Babar remains a young player. While his run-scoring may have decreased compared to previous times, it is a natural part of a cricketer’s career. All prominent players face quieter periods. The key lies in their ability to recover, and I am confident that Babar will rebound effectively.”

Defending the Duo’s Approach

Butt also defended the often-criticized cautious starts by the star duo during the powerplay overs. He noted that the two batters frequently took on the responsibility of stabilizing Pakistan’s innings and provided essential stability to the top order.

“People tend to overemphasize strike rates and overlook the importance of consistency. In challenging circumstances, a composed batter like Babar can prove invaluable,” he added.

Butt emphasized that embracing a more aggressive strategy is beneficial for Pakistan, but it is crucial not to disregard the importance of experience and composure.

“If a formidable, attacking unit can be developed independently of Babar and Rizwan, it would be a great accomplishment. However, until that is definitively achieved, dismissing established players carries a considerable risk,” Butt cautioned.

Recent Team Selections

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

He was not included in the squad for the home series against New Zealand in March and is currently absent from the ongoing three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, which commenced on May 28 in Lahore.

Facing scrutiny due to a perceived dip in T20I form, Babar has not achieved a half-century since his innings of 75 runs against Ireland in May 2023. In total, he has played in 128 T20Is, accumulating 4,223 runs at an average of 39.83, including three centuries and 36 half-centuries.

Earlier this year, both Babar and Rizwan were left out of the T20I team for the five-match series in New Zealand as selectors aimed to assess emerging talent. Neither player has featured in the format since then.

In another significant change, Mohammad Rizwan was recently replaced as T20I captain, having led the team in just two series. Middle-order batter Salman Ali Agha has been appointed as the new T20I captain, leading Pakistan to a 3-0 series victory over Bangladesh in Lahore.