Pakistan Must Give Babar Azam Clarity Amid Poor T20 World Cup Form

Pakistan cricket faces a critical decision regarding Babar Azam as the star batter continues to struggle for form during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup. His recent performances at No.4 have raised questions about team strategy, role clarity, and long-term planning.

Once considered the backbone of Pakistan’s batting lineup, Babar has found himself shuffled across positions, a move many analysts believe has affected his confidence and performance.

Struggles at No.4 Raise Tactical Concerns

Babar, traditionally a top-order batter, has struggled to adapt to the No.4 position. In seven matches at the slot, he has scored 185 runs at an average of 30.83 with a strike rate of 118.58 — numbers below expectations for a modern T20 middle-order batter.

The move to No.4 came shortly before the tournament, despite Babar having minimal experience in the role.

Cricket experts say middle-order positions require immediate acceleration and power-hitting, whereas Babar’s strengths lie in anchoring innings and building momentum.

Lack of Role Stability Affecting Confidence

Over the past 18 months, Pakistan’s management has experimented with Babar’s batting position, including temporary exclusions and reassignments.

Frequent changes without a defined role have created uncertainty. Analysts argue that without stability and reassurance, even elite batters struggle to perform consistently.

Pakistan’s team management now faces a dilemma: restore him to his preferred top-order role or make a decisive change.

Namibia Match Sparks Fresh Questions

During Pakistan’s must-win clash against Namibia, the team lost early wickets but Babar did not get an opportunity to bat. The decision reflected a tactical preference for aggressive batters capable of quick scoring.

While the approach may have suited the match situation, it has raised concerns about whether the team is losing trust in its premier batter.

From being a fixed top-order presence, Babar is now being used situationally — a shift that signals strategic uncertainty.

Pakistan Through to Super 8s, But Tough Tests Ahead

Despite ongoing struggles, Pakistan have qualified for the Super 8 stage. However, stronger opposition awaits, and tactical clarity will be crucial moving forward.

If management believes Babar cannot fit into the current top order, experts suggest making a clear decision rather than continuing positional experimentation.

Players like Fakhar Zaman remain available as aggressive alternatives.

Time for a Clear Direction

Pakistan cricket must decide whether to rebuild around Babar’s strengths or move forward with a different batting structure.

Continued uncertainty risks damaging both the player’s confidence and the team’s balance. Clear communication, defined roles, and long-term planning are essential to restore stability.

Babar Azam remains one of Pakistan’s most accomplished batters. Providing clarity — whether through renewed trust or a decisive tactical shift — may be the key to unlocking both his form and Pakistan’s success in the tournament.