Haris Questions Babar’s T20 Approach
Young wicketkeeper-batter Muhammad Haris stirred debate after his comments on Pakistan star Babar Azam’s batting style in T20 cricket. Speaking on a local YouTube show, Haris suggested that Babar should “play faster” and argued that senior players need to make way for upcoming talent.
“Babar and Rizwan have performed for Pakistan, but for progress you must back juniors,” Haris remarked. “Babar needs to accelerate more in T20 cricket.”
Basit Ali Responds Strongly
Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali did not hold back while reacting to Haris’ statement. Speaking in a discussion with ex-wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, Basit strongly criticised the youngster.
“If Haris says Babar must improve, then someone needs to remind him of his own record,” Basit said. “Who is Haris to pass judgment on Babar Azam? If Babar was still captain, would Haris even say this?”
Tanveer Ahmed Also Weighs In
Ex-fast bowler Tanveer Ahmed joined the criticism, urging Haris to focus on his own game.
“Haris, what achievements do you have in international cricket? First make a name for yourself, then talk about a world-class batter like Babar,” Tanveer said.
Babar Azam’s T20 Legacy
From 2019 to 2023, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan built the most successful T20I opening partnership in history. Together, they scored 3,300 runs at an average of 46.47, dominating powerplays and chases. Individually, Babar remains one of the most consistent performers in T20Is:
- Matches: 128
- Runs: 4,223
- Fifties: 36
- Centuries: 3
- Average: 39.83
- Strike Rate: 129.22
He is currently the second-highest run-scorer in T20I cricket, just behind Rohit Sharma.
Context of the Debate
The criticism came in the aftermath of Pakistan’s disappointing 2024 T20 World Cup, where they failed to progress beyond the group stage after a shock defeat to the USA. Following that campaign, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has sidelined both Babar and Rizwan from the T20 setup, with their last appearance in the format dating back to December 2024.
While the debate about strike rates continues, Babar Azam’s contributions to Pakistan’s T20 cricket remain unmatched, making him one of the most reliable batters of the modern era.
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