Veteran all-rounder Shoaib Malik has stirred controversy by claiming that Pakistan’s white-ball captain, Babar Azam, would struggle to secure a spot in leading international T20I sides. Malik’s statement comes in the wake of Pakistan’s disappointing group-stage exit from the T20 World Cup.
Pakistan faced early elimination after losing to the United States and India in their initial matches. Their hopes of advancing were dashed further when a rain-affected match between Ireland and the USA in Florida resulted in a no-result, sealing Pakistan’s fate.
During the clash against India, Pakistan failed to chase a modest target of 120 runs despite being in a strong position. Moreover, their inability to defend 15 runs in the final over against the USA highlighted their struggles under pressure, prompting scrutiny of their performance.
Malik, who debuted for Pakistan in 1999, openly questioned Babar Azam’s place in elite T20I teams. “Babar is undoubtedly our best player, but can he secure a spot in the playing XI of top teams like Australia, India, or England in this format? I don’t think so,” Malik commented on a local sports show.
India recently clinched the T20 World Cup 2024, narrowly defeating South Africa by seven runs in the final held in Barbados. This victory marked India’s second T20 World Cup triumph, having first won in 2007 by defeating Pakistan.
With the next T20 World Cup scheduled for 2026 in India and Sri Lanka, the competition’s format will see 12 teams already qualified, while the remaining eight will compete through qualifiers to secure their spots.
