After a disappointing T20 World Cup 2026 campaign, Babar Azam has been asked to step away from T20 International (T20I) cricket. Babar Azam, who was once seen as the backbone of Pakistan’s white-ball team, failed to make an impact in the T20 World Cup 2026.
The former captain was recalled to the T20I squad for the Australia series on home soil and was then given a chance for the T20 World Cup 2026, but he failed to make an impact.
Tough T20 World Cup 2026 for Babar Azam
Babar scored only 91 runs in four innings at an average of 22.75, and his strike rate was just above 112. In modern T20 cricket, where batsmen attack with the first ball, these figures have disappointed the right-handed batsman.
Pakistan had to struggle badly in the Super 8 stage. The team needed a big performance from the senior players, but Babar could not perform. Due to his poor form, he was dropped from the playing eleven for the final and must-win Super 8 clash against Sri Lanka on 28 February.
Pakistan managed to win that Super 8 match by 5 runs, but it was not enough. New Zealand’s better net run rate ended Pakistan’s journey in the tournament.
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Michael Vaughan calls for Babar Azam’s T20I retirement
Now many experts believe that Pakistan needs a fresh plan in T20 cricket. After Pakistan’s exit, former England captain Michael Vaughan insisted that the Men in Green have good players but are not using them in the right roles.
Michael Vaughan said on Cricbuzz, “As long as you play your role, you will keep playing in the team. That’s the key. I think Pakistan have got the players. They have put them in the wrong roles.”
The cricket pundit has stressed that the modern T20 game has changed and teams now need fearless batsmen who can change matches in two overs by hitting quick sixes.
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Babar Azam-style not exactly suitable for the modern T20I game
Vaughan mocked Babar, saying that the slow and steady style that worked years ago is not ideal for the modern T20 game. The Englishman further explained, “I think Pakistan should move on, because as the game progresses they don’t need that style of play.
You know, maybe ten years ago the Babar Azam-style of play was perfect for T20 cricket, but the game has moved on, and now you need players who can go out there and assess and hit the ball out of the park. You need players who can hit three or four quick sixes and bring you back into the game in this modern era of T20 cricket.
Time to focus on ODI and Test formats?
Vaughan believes that Babar still has a big role to play for Pakistan, but perhaps not in T20I cricket. As the former England captain pointed out, his class and technique is perfect for 50-over cricket and Test matches. Patience and timing matter more than power hitting in longer formats.
He signed off by saying, “Babar was one of my favorite players, and I think if he gave up T20 cricket, he could flourish in the 50-over game and Test cricket in the last few years of his career. I think he’s that good.”