Pakistan captain Salman Ali Aga has come out in support of Babar Azam ahead of the three-match T20 series against Australia at home. The middle-order batsman urged critics to tone down the constant scrutiny on Babar, adding that repeatedly raising questions puts unnecessary pressure on the former Pakistan captain.
Pakistan has started preparations for the T20 World Cup 2026 with a training camp at home. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced the squad of 15 players on Sunday and questions were raised over the selection. Babar, who was in poor form, was included in the team for the three-match T20 series and T20 World Cup.
I don’t need to answer questions about Babar Azam – Salman Ali Aga
Ahead of the first T20I against Australia, Salman Ali Aga defended Babar Azam and called for a distraction from the constant scrutiny. Aga said that even though Babar may not have lived up to expectations in the Big Bash, he is performing well for Pakistan and playing his part.
“I wish I didn’t have to answer questions about Babar when I come to press conferences. I mean, there are 14 guys in the team; there are other batsmen too. Think about them too, and talk about them too. Let them bat right now.”
“He is batting well. You can say he didn’t perform as well as his team expected in the Big Bash, but for us he is performing very well. I think he is playing his role well. It doesn’t matter to me what happens in the Big Bash. I don’t care about that.”
My wish is that one day I come to the press conference and there is no question related to Babar Azam, please let him bat – Salman Ali Aga
VC: PCB#PAKvAUS | #Cricket | #Pakistan | #SalmanAliAgha | #babarazam | #Lahore pic.twitter.com/UgdxdeRKc9
– Sports Shell (@khelshel) 28 January 2026
Babar Azam’s experience will mean a lot to us – Salman Ali Aga
The Pakistan captain said that Babar Azam is important for the team, especially in high-pressure situations. He said that Babar’s experience is a big asset and said that he is capable of playing a decisive role in winning the World Cup.
“Babar Azam’s experience will mean a lot for us, especially in pressure games. Babar has the potential to play a major role if Pakistan wins the World Cup and he knows it too.”
Babar Azam has been a world class player for Pakistan – Mitchell Marsh
Australian captain Mitchell Marsh described Babar as a world-class batsman who has consistently performed well for Pakistan over the last few years. Marsh said that his team has great respect for Babar and said that in these conditions he is one of the best players in the world.
“Babar has been a world-class player for Pakistan for a long time. We have a lot of respect for him. In these conditions, he is one of the best players in the world,” Marsh said.
Australia will make a leadership change for the first T20I against Pakistan on Thursday, January 29. Travis Head is set to captain the team at the Gaddafi Stadium. Regular captain Mitchell Marsh will be rested from the opening match of the series.
Marsh and wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis are unlikely to play as they reached Pakistan only on Wednesday. His late arrival comes just days after the Perth Scorchers won a record sixth Big Bash League title on Sunday.
Also read: Former Indian cricketers named semi-finalists for T20 World Cup 2026; Irfan Pathan supported Pakistan
