Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has come forward in support of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, as the national T20I team appears to be shifting toward a more aggressive and youthful approach. Speaking during an in-depth discussion with cricket analyst Sanaullah, Butt emphasized the importance of not discarding seasoned performers in the pursuit of a new playing style.
Highlighting Babar Azam’s contributions to Pakistan’s T20I success, Butt noted that Babar held the top spot in the ICC T20I rankings for three consecutive years and remains Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in the format. He is also the second-highest run-scorer in T20Is globally, just behind India’s Rohit Sharma.
Butt argued that while Babar may be experiencing a dip in form, this phase is natural for any top-level player. “Every great player goes through quiet phases,” he stated, adding that the focus should be on how they recover, and expressing confidence that Babar will make a strong comeback.
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He also defended the often-criticized cautious approach of Babar and Rizwan during powerplays, pointing out that their stability has frequently been the backbone of Pakistan’s batting line-up. While acknowledging Pakistan’s move toward a more aggressive batting style, Butt urged caution in dismissing players who have consistently delivered under pressure.
The recent omission of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Shah Afridi from the T20I squad for the 3-0 series win against Bangladesh has raised eyebrows, with selectors opting for a fresh crop of aggressive batters. However, Butt maintained that experience should not be sidelined without a solid alternative in place.
Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson has echoed similar sentiments, stating that Babar and Rizwan will be considered for future selection based on performance and team requirements. For now, both players remain on the sidelines as the team experiments with a new identity in T20 cricket.
As Pakistan navigates a transitional phase, Salman Butt’s perspective offers a reminder of the value of proven performers. Despite recent setbacks, he believes that Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan still have much to contribute to the shortest format of the game.
