The pressure on Pakistan captain Babar Azam has reached a boiling point. After a lethargic innings against the Netherlands in their opening T20 World Cup 2026 fixture, the country’s most celebrated batter is facing unprecedented scrutiny. Former Test cricketer Basit Ali has launched a scathing critique, famously asking, “Kahaan se superstar hai?” (Where is this superstar from?), and openly suggesting that Babar might be dropped for Pakistan’s crucial next game [[1]].
Table of Contents
- The Netherlands Nightmare
- Basit Ali’s Scathing Assessment
- A Pattern of Struggles in T20 Cricket?
- Team Management’s “No Reputation” Policy
- What Happens if Babar is Dropped?
- Conclusion: A Career at a Crossroads
- Sources
The Netherlands Nightmare
Pakistan’s match against the Netherlands was supposed to be a comfortable start to their title defense. Instead, it became a platform for intense debate about their batting strategy, with Babar Azam at the center of the storm. His innings was characterized by an unusually low strike rate and a lack of intent that failed to capitalize on the powerplay overs.
In a format that demands explosive starts, Babar’s approach seemed out of sync with the modern T20 blueprint. While he anchored the innings, the required run rate climbed, putting immense pressure on the middle order. For a player of his caliber and reputation, such a performance in a high-stakes tournament opener was seen as a major letdown by fans and experts alike.
Basit Ali’s Scathing Assessment
Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali did not mince words in his post-match analysis. His now-viral question, “Kahaan se superstar hai?”, cut to the heart of the growing frustration. Ali argued that Babar’s current form and style are simply not suited for the demands of contemporary T20 cricket, especially in a World Cup where every run and every ball counts.
“Reputation can’t carry you through a World Cup,” Ali stated bluntly. He pointed out that other teams have moved on to more dynamic openers, while Pakistan seems stuck in the past, relying on a player whose strengths lie more in the longer formats. His suggestion that the selectors might consider dropping Babar for the next match sent shockwaves through the cricketing community [[1]].
A Pattern of Struggles in T20 Cricket?
This isn’t an isolated incident. Critics have long pointed to Babar’s inconsistent performances in franchise T20 leagues as evidence of his limitations in the shortest format. His stint in Australia’s Big Bash League (BBL) was notably underwhelming, where he struggled to adapt to the pace and bounce of the pitches and the aggressive bowling tactics.
His overall T20I strike rate, while respectable, pales in comparison to other top-order batters in the current era who consistently score at rates above 140. In a T20 World Cup 2026 where teams are posting totals in excess of 200 regularly, the luxury of a slow starter at the top of the order is one Pakistan may no longer be able to afford.
Team Management’s “No Reputation” Policy
Interestingly, Pakistan’s team management had already laid the groundwork for such a drastic decision. Before the tournament, they had made it clear that past achievements and reputations would not guarantee a place in the playing XI. Selection would be based purely on current form and suitability for the specific match conditions.
This policy now puts Babar directly in the firing line. If the management is serious about its word, they will have to make a tough call: stick with their captain and talisman based on his legacy, or make a bold, pragmatic move for the good of the team’s chances in the tournament.
What Happens if Babar is Dropped?
Dropping Babar Azam would be a seismic event in world cricket. The implications would be far-reaching:
- Leadership Vacuum: As the team’s captain, his removal from the XI would necessitate an immediate leadership change, likely to Mohammad Rizwan, creating potential instability.
- Public Outcry: Babar enjoys a massive fan following in Pakistan. His omission would spark a national debate and put immense pressure on the selectors.
- Tactical Shift: It would signal a definitive shift in Pakistan’s T20 philosophy, moving away from anchor-based batting towards a more all-out, aggressive approach from ball one.
[INTERNAL_LINK:pakistan-t20-world-cup-squad-analysis] would need a complete overhaul in strategy if this scenario unfolds.
Conclusion: A Career at a Crossroads
Babar Azam stands at a pivotal moment in his illustrious career. The T20 World Cup 2026 was meant to be his stage to cement his legacy as a great across all formats. Instead, it has become a test of his adaptability and resilience. The criticism from respected figures like Basit Ali is a clear warning shot. For Babar, the next match isn’t just another game; it’s a chance to silence his critics and prove that he still belongs at the highest level of T20 cricket. The entire cricketing world will be watching.
Sources
- [[1]] Times of India: ‘Kahaan se superstar hai?’: Ex-Pakistan cricketer says Babar Azam may be dropped for next game
- [[2]] ESPNcricinfo Stats: Babar Azam – Career Statistics
- [[3]] ICC Official Website: ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026