T20 World Cup 2026: Former Pakistan cricketers take a dig at Babar Azam ahead of India clash

Pakistan batter Babar Azam has found himself at the centre of sharp criticism from former cricketers ahead of the high-voltage India-Pakistan clash in the T20 World Cup 2026. Rashid Latif, Mohammad Amir, and Ahmed Shehzad have openly questioned Babar’s impact in the shortest format of the game.

Concerns around his strike rate and performances in high-pressure encounters against India have resurfaced, particularly after his modest start to the tournament. Babar struggled in Pakistan’s opener against the Netherlands before showing slight improvement in the subsequent game against the USA.

During a discussion on a show, Shehzad attempted to lighten the mood with a bold promise. He declared that he would sponsor food for the entire audience if Babar delivers a match-winning performance against India.

“If Babar Azam, God willing, wins the game for Pakistan, the treat is on me,” Shehzad said as quoted by Odisha.tv.

During the show, the host jokingly suggested that Amir should reconsider his retirement if Babar leads Pakistan to victory against India while scoring at a strike rate of 160 or more. Amir responded cautiously, stating that he would consider the idea, but only if Babar scores more than 30 runs in the process.

Statistically, Babar’s record against India in T20Is has been modest. In five matches, he has scored 105 runs at an average of 26.25 and a strike rate of 128.05. His memorable 68 in the 2021 T20 World Cup remains one of the standout performances of his career. However, his returns in subsequent ICC encounters against India have come under scrutiny. Since that innings, Babar has recorded scores of 10, 14, 0, and 13 against India in T20 World Cup matches.

As for the teams’ campaigns in the ongoing multi-nation tournament, Pakistan edged past the Netherlands by three wickets before securing a 32-run win over the USA in their second game. Meanwhile, India began their campaign with a 29-run victory against the USA and are set to face Namibia on February 12 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.