Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur has stirred debate in the cricketing fraternity by declaring that star batters Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam are not ideally suited for modern T20 cricket.
In an exclusive interview with a private TV channel, Arthur acknowledged that both players are highly skilled and consistent performers but insisted that the game’s shortest format has evolved significantly. According to him, the style of play required in T20s demands faster scoring, aggressive intent, and innovative stroke-making—qualities he believes Rizwan and Babar do not fully embody.
Arthur, who coached Pakistan from 2016 to 2019, pointed out that during his tenure the national side achieved the No.1 T20 ranking in the world. He credited that success to his collaborative planning with then-captain Sarfaraz Ahmed, highlighting how their strategy emphasized adaptability and aggressive intent.
Speaking about the current management, Arthur said that head coach Mike Hesson and captain Salman Ali Agha have their own vision for Pakistan cricket. “They want to shape the team according to modern-day requirements, and that means making tough choices,” Arthur noted.
His remarks have sparked intense debate among fans and analysts. While some agree that Babar and Rizwan’s strike rates and conservative approach often slow down Pakistan’s innings, others argue that their consistency and ability to anchor innings remain crucial assets.
Arthur’s comments come at a time when Pakistan is in the middle of a rebuilding phase in T20 cricket, with selectors experimenting with fresh faces and more aggressive batting options. Whether the team management decides to reduce the reliance on Rizwan and Babar or finds a way to blend their strengths with the needs of modern T20 cricket remains to be seen.
