Rethinking T20 strategy

Pakistan's performance in the recent T20 Asia Cup has once again exposed the gaps in its approach to the shortest format, particularly in terms of batting. It also clearly indicates the need for a senior, more experienced cricketing presence — and this may well be why the selection committee has decided to bring back Babar Azam. His return, however, is a double-edged sword. While Babar's consistency and calm temperament lend stability to a fragile batting order, his low strike rate runs contrary to the evolving demands of T20 cricket, which increasingly favours explosive power-hitting over accumulation.

There is no denying that Babar is a world-class batsman, capable of anchoring innings under pressure. Yet the modern T20 game rewards adaptability, and Pakistan's premier batsman must now mould his game to match global trends. Babar has the technique and temperament, what remains is the evolution in intent, especially in powerplay overs where momentum sets the tone.

Babar's return also highlights a deeper issue plaguing Pakistani cricket — a limited pool of power-hitting talent. The fact that the team must continually fall back on senior players is a reflection of systemic shortcomings in talent development. In contrast, India's rise in T20 dominance owes much to the Indian Premier League, which has consistently produced players accustomed to high-pressure, high-scoring environments. The Pakistan Super League, while successful in parts, has not yet become a comparable incubator of power-hitting talent or tactical innovation.

Babar's selection, therefore, should not be viewed as a mere tactical adjustment but as a signal for broader reform. Pakistan must modernise its T20 approach — from grassroots training to league structures and fitness standards. Long-term success will come only when Pakistan embraces the modern T20 ethos: fearless cricket and a generation of players built for impact.