(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Aaqib Javed Outlines Pathway for Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s T20I Return
The future of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in Pakistan’s T20 international setup has become a key topic of discussion in recent months. Now, Aaqib Javed, Director of High Performance at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), has shared insights into the steps both players need to take for a potential return.
🔁 Constructive Feedback Shared with Senior Players
Speaking to media during the ongoing PCB skills development camp, Aaqib Javed confirmed that both Babar and Rizwan have been given individual performance reviews and clear areas of improvement.
“Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have also been informed about where improvement is needed,” he said. “Both are senior players, and we had honest discussions with them about how to enhance their game.”
⚡ Evolving Demands in T20 Cricket
In recent times, both players have come under scrutiny for their conservative batting approach, especially in the T20 format. With the modern game placing greater emphasis on aggressive scoring and high strike rates, the PCB has emphasized the need for adaptability.
“We’ll need to score 200-plus runs,” Aaqib noted. “Whether it’s a youngster or a senior player, we will go with the best available option for Pakistan.”
This clear message highlights the board’s intent to modernize the team’s playing style, particularly with major tournaments like the 2025 ACC Men’s Asia Cup and 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on the horizon.
📋 Selection Based on Performance
Although head coach Mike Hesson has not ruled out a return for the experienced duo, current team selections are focusing on in-form players and younger prospects who align with the team’s updated strategic direction.
Babar and Rizwan’s potential participation in upcoming tours of Bangladesh and the West Indies remains uncertain, with selection decisions based on form, match strategy, and team balance.
🏏 Looking Ahead
Both players have played pivotal roles for Pakistan across formats, and the PCB hopes these transparent discussions will help them evolve their game and stay competitive. For now, the focus remains on building a dynamic squad that can adapt to the fast-paced nature of modern T20 cricket.
Stay connected for updates on squad announcements and future selections.
