(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Mickey Arthur Questions Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s Fit for Modern T20 Cricket
August 27, 2025
The debate over Pakistan’s leading batsmen, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, and their suitability for modern T20 cricket has intensified, with former national coach Mickey Arthur weighing in.
Speaking on a local television show, Arthur described both players as “fine cricketers” but suggested their style may not align with the evolving demands of the shortest format.
“T20 cricket today demands a very different approach. The kind of game Babar and Rizwan want to play requires personnel who can fully execute their vision — and right now, Pakistan needs different tools,” he said.
Team Management Adapting to Modern Demands
Arthur praised the current management under Mike Hesson for implementing their own strategies. Both Babar and Rizwan have been left out of recent T20 squads as the team explores alternatives like Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, and Sahibzada Farhan.
While Babar and Rizwan have achieved significant success on the international stage, their slow-building approach is increasingly at odds with the global trend of hard-hitting opening partnerships. Experts say this has made their style less suitable for Pakistan’s current T20 strategy.
Looking Ahead
As the Asia Cup and the next T20 World Cup cycle approach, selectors face a difficult decision. The absence of the two stars could either signal a bold tactical shift or a risky gamble for Pakistan’s white-ball fortunes.
The debate over Babar and Rizwan’s future in T20 cricket is expected to continue, with fans and analysts closely watching how the duo adapts to modern demands.
