Salman Butt: “They are trying to make Babar Azam a power-hitter, which he cannot become”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt said people are trying to turn Babar Azam into a power-hitter, even though he is not capable of being one.
Azam’s strike-rate has long been a point of debate, particularly in T20Is, where he has often faced criticism for a perceived lack of aggression.
Despite calls for him to play a more attacking style of cricket, Salman believes the 31-year-old is not naturally suited to becoming a big-hitting batter.
“They are trying to make Babar Azam a power-hitter, which he cannot become,” he was quoted as saying by Khel Shel on X.
Even though he has been criticised a lot, Azam recently delivered an outstanding campaign in the 2026 Pakistan Super League (PSL), playing a key role in leading the Peshawar Zalmi to the title. He finished as the tournament’s highest run-scorer, amassing 588 runs in 11 matches, including two centuries and three fifties, at an average of 73.50 and a strike-rate of 145.90.
Following this, the Lahore-born batsman played one Test against Bangladesh and amassed 115 runs, which included a top score of 68, at an average of 57.50.
He continued to do well in the three-match ODI series against Australia, racking up 125 runs, which included a top score of 69, at an average of 41.66.
Pakistan are now scheduled to tour the West Indies for two Tests, which will take place in Trinidad and Tobago from July 25 to August 6.