Azhar Mahmood Slams Critics Over Babar Azam’s T20 Strike Rate

Former Pakistan all-rounder and current Peshawar Zalmi coach Azhar Mahmood has strongly defended Babar Azam against ongoing criticism regarding his Twenty20 strike rate. Speaking after a recent Pakistan Super League (PSL) match, Mahmood stated it is unfair to target the top-order batter when the national team’s talent pool currently lacks ultra-aggressive stroke-makers.

Pakistan’s Batting Limitations

Mahmood, who serves as the assistant and bowling coach for Peshawar Zalmi, highlighted a systemic issue within Pakistan’s batting reserves. He pointed out that demanding a strike rate of 190 to 200 from Azam ignores the reality of the available roster.

“The problem for Babar Azam was what was demanded from him. He was forced to bat at number four in the World Cup for his low strike rate,” Mahmood explained. “If I look at others, the best batter of Pakistan in the T20 World Cup was Sahibzada Farhan. He has a strike rate of around 135 in T20Is. Babar has 128, so there is not much difference.”

Key Takeaways from Mahmood’s Defense

• Realistic Expectations: Pakistan’s current talent pool lacks batters who can consistently strike at 190 to 200.
• Unfair Comparisons: Sahibzada Farhan, often cited as a more aggressive option, holds a strike rate of 135 compared to Azam’s 128.
• Role Definition: Azam functions optimally as an anchor who sets the platform for middle-order power hitters.

Drawing on his extensive franchise cricket experience, including stints with Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders in the Indian Premier League as a British passport holder, Mahmood emphasized that Azam’s role should be defined by stability rather than outright power hitting.

“We should admit that Pakistan does not have 190-200 strike-rate players. Babar Azam should be utilized properly like we utilized him in this PSL. He sets the platform for the other batters to hit the ball,” Mahmood added.

Answering Critics on the Field

Azam recently silenced his detractors with a dominant performance for Peshawar Zalmi. The opening batter scored an unbeaten 100 off 52 deliveries against the Quetta Gladiators, leading his team to an imposing total of 255 for 3. During this aggressive innings, Azam faced over 50 deliveries but registered only a single dot ball, demonstrating exceptional strike rotation alongside boundary hitting.

This century, his first in 783 days, also marked a major statistical milestone. Azam surpassed 12,000 career T20 runs, becoming the fastest player in cricket history to reach the mark. He achieved the feat in 338 innings, breaking the previous records held by West Indies legend Chris Gayle and Indian star Virat Kohli.

Fastest Batters to 12,000 T20 Runs

Mahmood’s observations reflect a wider debate regarding international T20 cricket tactics. As global franchise leagues increasingly prioritize raw power, Pakistan’s coaching staff is calling for a more pragmatic approach that maximizes the specific strengths of their current batting lineup rather than forcing players into unnatural roles.