Ponting, Shastri Raise Hard Questions Over Babar Azam’s Role

The spotlight on Babar Azam’s recent T20 form is growing sharper. Pakistan T20 World Cup campaign hinges heavily on its senior batter, yet his returns have not matched the pace and intent the modern format now demands.

After a cautious start to the tournament against the Netherlands, the former captain’s approach has sparked a wider debate. This time it is about timing, intent, and whether Pakistan can afford patience when the tournament clock is ticking.

That debate gained weight when two voices with serious authority weighed in.

What Ponting Sees From The Crease

ICC Hall of Famer Ricky Ponting did not sugarcoat his view. Watching Babar’s innings unfold, he sensed something missing. 

According to Ponting, the concern lies in how Babar controls the middle overs. The Babar Azam form issue, he explained, puts strain on the partner at the other end. One batter stalls. The other feels forced to swing.

In T20 cricket, that imbalance spreads fast.

Ponting pointed out that Babar’s delayed boundary-hitting changes the rhythm of an innings. Fielders stay confident and Bowlers settle fast. That’s how the momentum slips away quietly.

And in a Pakistan T20 World Cup chase or build-up, quiet phases can be fatal.

Shastri On Pressure And Expectation

Former India coach Ravi Shastri added another layer to the conversation. For him, the issue is not just skill. It is the weight.

Reputation brings freedom early in a career. Later, it brings baggage.

Shastri believes Babar is carrying expectation ball by ball. Every dot feels heavier. Every single person draws a reaction. That pressure, he said, can freeze intent unless it is broken early.

His suggestion was blunt. Attack early, even if it costs a wicket.

Because without that spark, Babar Azam form becomes a talking point rather than a strength.

A Decision Pakistan Cannot Dodge

The batting position now sits at the heart of the discussion. Ponting floated the idea of moving Babar back to No.3. Babar likes risk free cricket so at No.3 he gets a chance to rebuild confidence before the squeeze arrives.

It is not a demotion. It is a tactical shield.

Pakistan’s lineup has hitters waiting behind him. What they need first is fluency up front.

The Pakistan T20 World Cup path ahead offers little breathing room. The USA awaits next, and every over will be judged.

One thing is obvious, Pakistan does not need miracles. They need clarity. And they need the best version of Babar Azam to show up before the tournament decides for them.