Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has come out in strong support of Babar Azam ahead of the three-match T20 series against Australia, shutting down media reporters’ constant criticism of the star batter.
Speaking at a pre-series press conference in Lahore, Salman was visibly frustrated after a journalist brought up a question about Babar Azam’s poor run-of-form.
“It is my wish that I come to the press conference one day and there will be no questions related to Babar Azam. Let him do batting, please,” Salman said.
Salman’s remarks came in response to a question about whether Babar could regain form after a modest 2025/26 Big Bash League (BBL 15) season for Sydney Sixers, where he scored 202 runs in 11 matches with an average of 22.44 and a strike rate of 103.06.
The Pakistan captain dismissed the idea of measuring Babar’s value through franchise cricket numbers, arguing that what matters is how he performs in national colors.
“I agree Babar didn’t play as per expectations in the BBL,” Salman said, adding that for Pakistan, Babar remains a “proven performer.” “For me, it only matters how he plays for Pakistan. What he does in the BBL does not matter to me.”
Babar remains one of Pakistan’s most dependable T20 batters. In 2025, he played eight T20Is, scoring 206 runs at an average of 34.33, including two fifties. However, his strike rate continues to draw debate, sitting at 114.44 over that stretch.
Beyond Babar, Salman also spoke about Pakistan’s broader game plan in home conditions, noting that totals depend heavily on pitches and match situations.
“We have scored more than 200 in these conditions as well… you can see last year’s Bangladesh series,” he said. “But when you don’t get that kind of batting condition, then scoring big becomes difficult.”
He also stressed that T20 cricket has become too competitive for teams to take anyone lightly.
“In T20 cricket, there is no big or small team,” he said. “In international cricket, no team is easy.”
Pakistan and Australia will play three T20Is from January 29 to February 1 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, with the opening match scheduled for Thursday.
Salman called the series “very important,” saying Pakistan will aim to address weaknesses and execute roles according to conditions. The matches are also expected to serve as key preparation for both sides ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.