In a time when Pakistan’s T20I blueprint is shifting towards aggression and experimentation, former captain Salman Butt has thrown his weight behind two familiar names — Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan.
Yes, the same duo that’s currently under the scanner for their “slow starts” and dipping strike rates. But Butt believes it’s far too early — and far too risky — to sideline two of Pakistan’s most successful white-ball batters just yet.
Babar & Rizwan: Proven Performers Under Pressure
In a recent interview, Salman Butt reminded everyone of what’s easily forgotten in the heat of T20 debates — Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have carried Pakistan’s top order for years.
“Babar topped the ICC T20I rankings for three years and still holds the record for most T20I runs by a Pakistani batter,” Butt noted. “He’s second globally — just behind Rohit Sharma.”
That’s not a stat you brush aside lightly. True, Babar hasn’t been at his fluent best recently. In fact, he hasn’t scored a T20I fifty since May 2023. But as Butt rightly pointed out, even the best go through lean patches.
“Babar is still young. The runs might’ve dried up for now, but this is part of a cricketer’s journey. What matters is how you respond — and I believe Babar will bounce back.”
Strike Rates vs. Stability
Fans and critics often slam the Babar-Rizwan pair for being too cautious during the powerplay. But Salman Butt offered a different lens — one that values consistency, composure, and adaptability over just raw acceleration.
“People focus too much on strike rates and forget the value of consistency,” he said.
“In challenging conditions, a composed batter like Babar can be irreplaceable.”
He’s not wrong. While Pakistan now seems to be embracing a bolder batting philosophy, it doesn’t mean there’s no room for experienced anchors — especially when conditions demand calm heads and smart cricket.
Don’t Discard Experience Just Yet
Let’s be honest — Pakistan’s T20I lineup is in transition. There’s excitement, yes, but also uncertainty. New players are stepping in, fresh combinations are being tested. And that’s where Salman Butt’s warning makes sense.
“If you can build a strong, attacking unit without Babar and Rizwan, that’s great. But until that’s firmly established, letting go of your most seasoned players is risky.”
This isn’t about sentiment. It’s about strategic depth. Experience is still currency in T20 cricket, especially in pressure situations. And both Babar and Rizwan have plenty of that.
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