LAHORE: Pakistan’s star batsman Babar Azam faced another setback in his bid to regain form, faltering in the ongoing National T20 Cup 2025 during a match for Lahore Blues against Karachi Whites at Gaddafi Stadium on March 18. The former captain, dropped from Pakistan’s T20I squad for the New Zealand series, managed just 22 runs off 17 balls in a chase of 172, as his team slumped to a 37-run defeat.
Babar, opening the innings, struck three boundaries but fell to left-arm spinner Danish Aziz while attempting a reverse sweep—a dismissal that triggered a collapse. Lahore Blues, needing a strong start from their talisman, instead saw their middle and lower order crumble against a disciplined Karachi Whites attack, led by skipper Saud Shakeel’s brisk 73. The defending champions posted 171, a total that proved too steep for Babar’s side.
The 30-year-old’s lean patch follows a disappointing ICC Champions Trophy campaign earlier this year, where he scored only one fifty in three ODIs, averaging 20.67. His struggles in the National T20 Cup—intended as a platform to reclaim his T20I spot—have intensified scrutiny on his form, especially with the Pakistan Super League (PSL) looming next month. Fans on X have voiced frustration, with some pointing to his strike rate of 129.4 as decent but insufficient in a high-pressure chase.
Teammate Naseem Shah, another high-profile omission from the T20I side, fared no better. The pacer went wicketless, leaking 41 runs in four overs at an economy of 10.25—highlighted by a viral no-look shot smashed off him by Shakeel. The duo’s lackluster showing has fueled debate about their readiness for upcoming international commitments, including an ODI series against New Zealand.
Initially reported to have withdrawn from the tournament citing workload, Babar and Naseem’s surprise inclusion in Lahore Blues’ lineup had raised hopes. Yet, Tuesday’s flop has left more questions than answers. As Pakistan’s white-ball setup evolves under new leadership, Babar’s struggle to dominate domestic bowling could complicate his path back to the T20I fold—leaving fans and selectors alike wondering if the king can reclaim his throne.
