Pakistan cricket has entered a bold new chapter, and it’s impossible to ignore the shift. After a comprehensive 3-0 clean sweep against Bangladesh in the T20I series, a new-look Pakistan team has emerged, one that seems to be built for aggression, intent, and fearless cricket. But as the green shirts build momentum under a new captain, Salman Ali Agha, and new head coach Mike Hesson, one name is missing from the conversation: Babar Azam.
Once the face of Pakistan’s T20 ambitions, Babar now finds himself on the sidelines of the shortest format. The question now echoes across the cricketing world. Will a Babar Azam comeback happen before the T20 World Cup 2026, or has the team moved on without him?
A Shift in Strategy and Personnel
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) appears to have made a strategic decision, building a new T20 side with fresh legs and aggressive intent. Babar Azam, despite being one of the most consistent performers and arguably the most popular cricketer in the country, is now being preserved for the ODI and Test formats.
Instead, Pakistan is placing its trust in a new core built around names like Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Hasan Nawaz, Khushdil Shah, and Mohammad Haris. These players not only impressed during the Bangladesh series but also showcased their potential during the PSL, especially in high-pressure scenarios.
Their inclusion signals a clear direction Pakistan wants to play modern T20 cricket, and they’re willing to bench even senior stars to make it happen. While the fans continue to chant Babar’s name and question his exclusion, the management seems determined to try something new.
Still, the question remains does the team still consider a Babar Azam comeback part of their long-term T20 plan, or have they shut the door on him for good?
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What About Rizwan and Shaheen?
The T20 reshuffle hasn’t affected just Babar. Mohammad Rizwan, once the captain and a key anchor in Pakistan’s T20 setup, has also found himself out of the picture. Although his stats speak for his value, selectors appear focused on youth and strike rate, especially after Pakistan’s failures in crunch knockout games.
The case of Shaheen Afridi is even more surprising. As the captain of the PSL-winning Lahore Qalandars and Pakistan’s premier strike bowler for the past 4–5 years, Shaheen’s recent dip in form at the international level has raised concerns. His performances in the past year haven’t met expectations, and with new bowlers stepping up, his role in the T20 side looks uncertain at least for the next 5–6 months.
It’s clear the selectors are making bold, long-term calls in preparation for T20 World Cup 2026, and no player, regardless of stature, seems immune from the rebuild.
What Lies Ahead
For now, the spotlight is on Pakistan’s new stars, young, fearless, and untested on the global stage. A strong domestic season, consistent PSL showing, or even injury setbacks could quickly change things.
Until then, the fans and the cricket world continue to ask: When will we see a Babar Azam comeback in T20 cricket, and will it come in time for the next big challenge?
