Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur has sparked fresh debate over the roles of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in T20 cricket, suggesting the star duo may not align with the modern demands of the format.
Speaking about Pakistan’s white-ball approach, Arthur said while both players are “fine cricketers,” their naturally steady, anchor-driven style clashes with the increasingly aggressive template that T20 cricket now requires.
> “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,” Arthur remarked in recent comments.
Pakistan’s Changing Strategy Under Hesson
Arthur’s remarks come at a time when Pakistan’s T20 plans have already shifted significantly under new head coach Mike Hesson. Since his appointment earlier this year, Babar and Rizwan have been excluded from T20 series against New Zealand and Bangladesh, and were also left out of the Asia Cup squad.
Hesson has leaned toward intent-heavy players like Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Sahibzada Farhan, and Mohammad Haris, who offer rapid scoring power at the top. Explaining the selection policy earlier this month, Hesson emphasized the need for “match-winners who can change the game within a handful of deliveries.”
Reuters recently reported that Pakistan’s management has even asked Babar to work on improving his strike rate if he wishes to return to the T20 setup before the 2026 World Cup.
A Divisive Debate
The exclusion of Babar and Rizwan, two of Pakistan’s most prolific T20 batters over the past five years, has divided opinion. Supporters argue that their experience and ability to anchor innings remain invaluable in high-pressure games. Critics, however, believe their approach slows momentum and prevents Pakistan from keeping pace with the world’s most explosive sides.
Arthur himself, in past stints with Pakistan, often backed Babar as a must-have in the lineup regardless of form, calling him “absolute class.” Rizwan too was praised for his adaptability and wicketkeeping skills. Yet, his latest comments suggest a belief that the game has moved on — and Pakistan must as well.
Former wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal also weighed in earlier this month, controversially suggesting that Babar and Rizwan should now be limited to Test cricket, where their styles are better suited.
