‘Pakistan don’t have 190 strike-rate batters’: PSL coach backs Babar Azam amid criticism
Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood defended Babar Azam, deeming it unfair to single him out for strike-rate issues in T20 cricket, arguing Pakistan lacks ultra-aggressive batters in the format. Mahmood emphasised that Babar sets the platform for others, and realistic expectations are needed, as the country doesn't possess consistently high-strike-rate players.
Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood has launched a strong defence of Babar Azam, calling it “unfair” to single him out over strike-rate concerns in T20 cricket while insisting the country lacks ultra-aggressive batters. Speaking after a Pakistan Super League match, Mahmood, assistant and bowling coach for Peshawar Zalmi, questioned the narrative around Babar’s approach, pointing to the broader limitations in Pakistan’s batting pool. “The problem for Babar Azam was what was demanded from him.
He was forced to bat at number four in the World Cup for his low strike rate,” Mahmood said. He added that comparisons with other batters were misplaced. “If I look at others, the best batter of Pakistan in the T20 World Cup was Sahibzada Farhan.
He has a strike rate of around 135 in T20Is. Babar has 128, so there’s not much difference. ” ‘Utilise Babar Azam properly’ Mahmood, who played in the IPL as a British passport holder from 2012 to 2015, representing Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) and Kolkata Knight Riders, made it clear that expectations need to be realistic, stressing that Pakistan simply do not have players capable of consistently striking at 190-200.
“We should admit that Pakistan doesn’t have 190-200 strike-rate players. Babar Azam should be utilised properly like we utilised him in this PSL. He sets the platform for the other batters to hit the ball,” he said.