Babar Azam is entering into the T20 World Cup 2026 with more pressure than ever before, as his place and role in the Pakistan cricket team are under the spotlight. This global tournament could define the next phase of Babar Azam’s career.
Babar Azam under heavy pressure ahead of T20 World Cup 2026
Babar’s strike rate has always been a matter of debate, raising questions about whether his classic style still fits the fast-changing demands of modern T20 cricket. With teams now built around fearless power hitters, the former Pakistan captain’s style had once cost him his place in the T20I side.
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However, Pakistan has decided to give another chance to the right-handed batter but with a different role. With aggressive batters Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan taking the top spot, Babar dropped to the middle order as captain Salman Ali Agha took the number three spot.
Babar will bat at number four, where he is expected to control the innings and guide the middle order, especially on the slower and spin-friendly pitches in Sri Lanka during the mega event.
Mohammad Amir’s warning for Babar
Ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, former Pakistan bowler Mohammad Amir has warned Babar about losing his place in the playing XI if he fails to justify his selection. He also pointed out that Babar has struggled against spin recently, which will add more pressure on him.
Mohammad Amir was quoted as saying by Geo News, “Babar Azam needs to prove his selection now. I heard the management saying that they need him in spin-friendly conditions, but he has struggled against spin, and we saw that in the Australia series.”
Salman Ali Agha hints at dropping Babar Azam
Even Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has already made it clear that no player will be picked just because of reputation or past achievements. He stressed that only form and balance will decide who makes the playing XI.
Salman stated at the pre-match press conference, “Jo best combination hain, hum wohi khilane ki kosish karenge (We will try to play the best combination).”
PCB’s India boycott call puts Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2026 hopes in danger
Meanwhile, the Pakistan cricket board has decided to boycott their game against India on February 15 in Colombo. With the PCB and ICC yet to confirm the final call, there is a big question whether Pakistan will be able to advance from the T20 World Cup group stage.
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Pakistan was placed in Group A along with India, the USA, Namibia, and the Netherlands. If they boycott the India match, the Men in Green cannot afford to lose any of their other group games to make it to the next round.
‘Cricket shouldn’t suffer’: Ex-BCCI chief selector slams PCB
However, former BCCI chief selector Chetan Sharma said Pakistan will make a U-turn on their boycott call. He was quoted as saying by India Today: “What was the Bangladesh players’ fault? None. This is politics. Bangladesh has elections on the 12th. After that, you’ll see a U-turn.
There will be a statement saying, ‘Considering public sentiment, cricket shouldn’t suffer; Pakistan will play against India.’ This stance is still about the Bangladesh election only. I’ve been a politician; I’ve contested elections. After the elections, maybe even the military chief will say sport should be kept free of politics and the match should go ahead.”