Babar Azam Addresses T20 Future, Shares Insights on Performance and Team Strategy

LAHORE: Babar Azam, the former Pakistan captain and current captain of Peshawar Zalmi, has spoken candidly about his career in T20 cricket, his team’s performance in PSL 10, and the continuous analysis of his batting approach.

In a detailed interview, Babar addressed rumors about his future in T20s and offered his perspective on performance expectations and team cohesion.

When questioned about his aspirations in T20 internationals, Babar acknowledged the unpredictability of selection processes and emphasized that the ultimate decision lies with the selectors and coaches.

“The selectors and coaches are the only ones who can truly say what they envision for my T20 journey. My role is to deliver—be it in T20s, ODIs, or Tests. Team selection isn’t something I control. I’ll keep playing for as long as Allah allows. We were told we’d be rested from T20s—we’ll see what the future holds,” Babar stated.

Regarding Zalmi’s showing in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10, the 30-year-old conceded that the team has been inconsistent.

“At the start, we aimed to establish a successful lineup and achieved a couple of wins, but we need to find consistency. We’re halfway through the tournament, and we’ve suffered losses due to various factors—sometimes our batting falters, other times our bowling lets us down,” he noted.

“Our fielding, specifically, hasn’t been satisfactory. No matter the circumstances, we must adhere to our strategy. It’s vital to avoid losing wickets at critical junctures or dropping catches,” he added.

From an individual standpoint, the former Pakistan captain recognized that fans anticipate him to bat for extended periods but admitted he hasn’t always met those expectations.

“The fans want to see me stay at the crease longer. They have high hopes for me. While I appreciate my quick innings, I haven’t consistently played long innings as they expect. I learn from my errors and strive to improve, but cricket is unpredictable. Maintaining focus is paramount, and that’s where my head is at,” he said.

Addressing critiques about his strike rate and style of play, the right-handed batter affirmed his awareness of contemporary demands.

“I play my natural game. I understand that there’s considerable discussion about strike rate and aggressive tactics. I’m aware of where cricket is evolving. I don’t need to demonstrate my capabilities—everyone is familiar with my game. I adapt to the match situation and team requirements. I fully understand the significance of a good strike rate,” he asserted.

He also emphasized his adaptability within the batting order over the years.

“I’ve been moved around the batting order more than anyone. Whenever a new player joins, I’m the one who adjusts my position. I sometimes bat at number three, other times I open. Pakistan is my priority. The franchise wanted me to open, so I obliged. I’ll play wherever Pakistan needs me,” he mentioned.

“I’ve never insisted on being an opener. I’ve even opened in Test matches. I began at number six and progressed up the order. I’ve never refused to play in a specific position because it might affect my performance. I’m prepared to bat at any position based on the team’s needs,” he added.

Babar emphasized his preference for letting his performance on the field do the talking.

“I’m not one for excessive talk—I prefer to showcase my abilities on the field. Speaking is easy, but actions matter. My upbringing has taught me to respect everyone. My focus is on my on-field contributions. I dedicate myself to hard work, and I’m never content with my achievements. Even at number one, I wasn’t fully satisfied. I always look forward and think about my country,” he said.

Discussing the shift between formats, he dismissed the idea that T20 cricket has negatively impacted ODI performance.

“ODI cricket requires patience. Despite high scores, the format has its own unique rhythm and importance. I’ve always valued ODI cricket and have enjoyed some of my finest moments in the format,” he noted.

Babar expressed high regard for the standard of the Pakistan Super League.

“PSL remains a premier league. While some matches may have received less attention, the overall standard remains high. Foreign players are eager to participate because of the exceptional bowling quality—every team features bowlers capable of exceeding 145 km/h,” he concluded.