Babar Azam Slips in Latest T20I Rankings Amidst Selection Shake-Up
March 19, 2025 – In a surprising turn of events, Pakistan’s star batsman Babar Azam has seen a noticeable dip in the latest ICC T20I batting rankings, reflecting a challenging phase for the former captain. The updated rankings, released earlier this week, show Azam sliding down the order, a development that comes on the heels of his exclusion from Pakistan’s T20I squad for the ongoing series against New Zealand.
Azam, renowned for his elegant stroke play and consistency across formats, has long been a fixture among the top-ranked T20I batsmen. However, his recent performances have drawn scrutiny, particularly after a lackluster showing in the Champions Trophy 2025 and a modest return in Pakistan’s T20I outings. With 4,223 runs in 128 T20I matches at an average of around 40, Azam’s pedigree is undeniable, but his strike rate and adaptability in the shortest format have been points of contention among critics and selectors alike.
The decision to drop Azam from the T20I squad for the New Zealand series, which began on March 16, appears to have coincided with this rankings slide. Sources close to the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) suggest that the selectors are pushing for a refreshed approach, favoring players who can accelerate innings in the high-octane T20 format. Azam’s omission, alongside that of wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan, has sparked debate, with former players like Saeed Ajmal defending his record while others argue for a shift in strategy.
In his most recent T20I appearance against South Africa in December 2024, Azam scored a brisk 31 off 20 balls, a knock that hinted at a return to form but seemingly wasn’t enough to sway the selectors. His current ranking, now hovering outside the elite top tier, marks a significant shift for a player who once dethroned Aaron Finch to claim the No. 1 spot in 2018 and broke Virat Kohli’s record for the fastest 1,000 T20I runs.
Fans have taken to social media to express a mix of concern and optimism, with some pointing to Azam’s historical resilience. “Babar’s been through dips before—he’ll rise again,” one supporter posted on X, echoing a sentiment shared by many who see this as a temporary setback. Others, however, speculate that this could signal a longer-term rethink of his role in Pakistan’s T20 setup.
As Pakistan continues their tour of New Zealand, all eyes will be on Azam’s next steps. Retained in the ODI squad for the same series, he has an immediate opportunity to silence doubters in the 50-over format. Meanwhile, his absence from the National T20 Cup—where he and teammate Naseem Shah withdrew citing scheduling conflicts—means his T20 redemption will have to wait, possibly until the Pakistan Super League later this year.
For now, Babar Azam’s drop in the T20I rankings serves as a stark reminder of the relentless demands of modern cricket, where even the brightest stars must adapt to stay atop the game. Whether this marks a mere blip or a turning point in his illustrious career remains to be seen.
