“T20 cricket doesn’t always show Babar Azam’s real value, but time is no longer on his side,” Rashid Latif said while assessing the Pakistan star’s future ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Rashid Latif And Babar Azam
Former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Rashid Latif has delivered a frank assessment of Babar Azam’s T20 future and the challenges facing Pakistan cricket, saying that some decisions have moved beyond the players’ control.
In an exclusive conversation with The Sunday Guardian Rashid Latif highlighted the influence of external factors on the national team. “The decisions being taken now are not in the players’ hands,” he said, pointing to the growing role of politics and off-field interference. Turning to Babar Azam, Latif described the batter as standing at a career crossroads.“Babar is a classical batter playing in a format that demands power-hitting,” he said. “You cannot change a player’s natural style overnight.”
Babar Azam was set at 27 off 18 balls by the 10th over, yet he batted through overs 11–20 without hitting even a single boundary
— Vishal (@Fanpointofviews) February 1, 2026
I dont remember any other instance when any batter was set and didn't hit a single boundary in 11-20 & still came notout😭😭 pic.twitter.com/aGZV4JzS1v
Latif acknowledged that T20 cricket may not always reflect Babar’s true ability.“This format may not show his real value, but time is no longer on his side,” he said. “This is his last chance to adapt and deliver in T20 cricket.” He also suggested an alternative route for Babar, one that could safeguard his legacy. “If he cannot adjust, focusing on Tests and ODIs may be better for his career,” Latif added.
Despite the individual pressures, Latif stressed that Pakistan still has the talent to succeed as a team.“The team is capable of reaching the next round,” he said. “What they need now is clarity, calm decision-making, and leadership that puts cricket above everything else.”Latif issued a strong warning about letting politics take over the game. “Once politics fully takes control, everyone loses—the boards, the players, and most importantly, the fans,” he said.He concluded by urging all stakeholders to protect the sport and focus on cricketing decisions that benefit the team.“Pakistan cricket can still shine, but it requires courage, clarity, and putting the game first,” Latif said.With his words, Latif has made it clear that Babar Azam’s T20 future and Pakistan’s World Cup ambitions now hang in a delicate balance — a test of adaptability, leadership, and focus on the game above all else.
Instagram story of Babar Azam before departure for the T20 World Cup. 🇵🇰💚 pic.twitter.com/TZmln37FHQ
— Rayham (@RayhamUnplugged) February 2, 2026
Babar’s form is surely a concern for the Pakistan team management especially if he bats at number four in the T20 World Cup 2026. While Sahibzada Farhan is struggling at the top, Azam’s lean patch can create more troubles for Pakistan in the marquee event.
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