‘I can’t play like Saim Ayub or Fakhar Zaman’: Pakistan captain Babar Azam admits to slow start but denies claims he is ‘selfish’

The runners-up in the 2022 edition of the ICC T20 World Cup will begin their latest T20 World Cup campaign against hosts United States of America (USA) on Thursday, June 9. The team will once again be under the direction of Babar Azam, who recently hit back at criticism over his relatively slow strike rate in T20I cricket.

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Pakistan’s captain was once again in the spotlight for the wrong reasons after the side lost the four-match T20I series against England 2-0 with the remaining two matches also being called off. Pakistan’s batting in T20Is has often been criticised given the pace at which the modern format of the game has evolved.

Babar seems to have lost his cool due to the ongoing criticism and in an article today, Sporting News featured a statement from the Pakistan captain explaining his strategy as a batsman.

What did Babar say about his poor strike rate?

Babar slammed his critics, saying his style of play and approach to the game is very different from other players, focusing on patiently building up his innings rather than being aggressive from the first ball. Whatever his style, his approach is not for himself but for the country.

My strategy is different from other batsmen. I cannot play aggressive cricket from the first ball like Saim or Fakhar. I take my time and build my innings according to the situation, but one thing is certain – I am not playing for myself, I am playing for the country.

Despite Pakistan having top-class bowlers in the likes of Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, their batting line-up in the World Cup may be a cause for concern going forward.

Read more: 2024 T20 World Cup: Full schedule and results

Pakistan team for 2024 T20 World Cup

Babar Azam (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim Mohammed, Abbas Afridi, Mohammed Amir, Mohammed Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Usman Khan.

Reserves: No reserves announced

Read more: Ahmed Shahzad questions Babar Azam’s leadership

Pakistan 2024 T20 World Cup Schedule

Pakistan will kick off their 2024 World T20 campaign with the opening match against USA in Dallas on June 6. Following a tough encounter with Ireland, Pakistan will then move on to a much-anticipated clash against arch rivals India in New York on June 9.