Babar Azam has found himself at the center of a fierce debate during the T20 World Cup 2026 after Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson defended his role at No. 4. The decision to move Babar Azam from his usual opening slot triggered strong reactions, with one reporter even calling it “cricketing suicide” during a tense press conference.

Major Call on Babar Azam in T20 World Cup 2026

Addressing the criticism, Hesson explained that Babar Azam was assigned a specific middle-order role based on team requirements in the T20 World Cup 2026. The coach highlighted that Babar Azam’s strike rate in the powerplay during previous ICC tournaments has been below 100, making him less suited for an aggressive opening role. Instead, Pakistan believe Babar Azam can anchor the innings and stabilize the batting through the middle overs.

Defined Role in Middle Overs

Hesson clarified that Babar Azam brings composure when the team is under pressure, especially during the Super 8 stage. According to the management, Babar Azam is most effective before the 12th over, where he can build partnerships and accelerate once set. However, the team prefers other power-hitters for the final overs in the T20 World Cup 2026.

Team Strategy Over Individual Preference

Pakistan’s strategy in the T20 World Cup 2026 revolves around clearly defined roles, and Babar Azam has reportedly accepted the tactical shift. With semifinal qualification at stake, the management believes the adjustment maximizes balance, even as debate around Babar Azam continues to intensify.