Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan has weighed in on the ongoing debate about Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan's roles in the national T20I team, suggesting the duo is being misused as openers.
Speaking on the show Josh Jaga Dey, Younis defended the under-fire pair, recommending that both Babar and Rizwan should return to the middle order - a position he believes suits their natural style of play.
"Babar and Rizwan should definitely be part of the T20I team, but not at the top. Their ideal position is in the middle order, where they can build the innings and provide stability," Younis said.
While Babar and Rizwan were once considered the backbone of Pakistan's white-ball side, their slower strike rates at the top of the order have recently come under scrutiny - especially in a modern T20 era that demands explosive starts.
Despite the criticism, the pair continues to boast impressive numbers. They hold the record for the most partnership runs in T20 Internationals, scoring a combined 3,300 runs in 73 matches between 2019 and 2024. Their partnership includes 15 half-century stands and 10 century partnerships, with a highest unbeaten stand of 203 runs.
Individually, Babar is the second-highest run-scorer in T20I history, with 4,223 runs in 128 matches at an average of 39.83 and a strike rate of 129.22. He has 36 fifties and 3 centuries to his name.
Meanwhile, Rizwan - Pakistan's current ODI captain - has scored 3,414 runs in 106 T20Is, averaging 47.41 with a strike rate of 125.37. His record includes 30 half-centuries and one hundred.
Younis believes that repositioning the duo could bring balance to Pakistan's T20I setup and help maximize their strengths moving forward.
Umar Akmal urges Babar to take a break from cricket
Former middle-order batsman Umar Akmal publicly backed Babar Azam amid growing scrutiny over his batting form, but suggested that the former national captain should step down as Peshawar Zalmi's leader in the HBL Pakistan Super League to focus entirely on rediscovering his rhythm with the bat.
Speaking on his official YouTube channel, Pakistan Test cricketer Umar Akmal stood firmly in support of Babar Azam, challenging critics who have questioned the batter's place in the national setup. While acknowledging Babar's current struggles, Akmal reaffirmed his class and value to Pakistan cricket.
"Yes, he's going through a tough phase, but he's still Pakistan's best batsman," Akmal said.
"Remember, he led the team with pride for five years. Form comes and goes, but class stays forever," he added. He cited the example of India's Virat Kohli, who took a break during his lean spell and returned rejuvenated. Akmal advised Babar to meet Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, the chief selector and the current captain, and request a complete two-month break from all formats.
"He should ask for two months' rest - no cricket, just training and time with family. When he returns, he'll be refreshed and back in form," Akmal added.
Akmal also recommended that should Babar relinquish leadership in franchise cricket, particularly in the PSL, to allow himself freedom to bat without external pressures.
"Just like PCB removed him as national captain, he should also step down as Zalmi skipper," he said.
"He needs to bat freely, enjoy his cricket and play without pressure," he added.
Akmal referenced Sahibzada Farhan's recent performances to support his point about players needing roles that suit them.
"Farhan is excelling because he's playing where he's comfortable," Akmal noted. "When players get their preferred role, they perform. The same applies to Babar," he added.
He suggested that responsibility and pressure - both from team management and public expectation - have hampered Babar's performances and that easing those burdens could help revive his form.
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