Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur has sparked debate by questioning the suitability of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in modern T20 cricket. Speaking in a recent interview with a private TV channel, Arthur acknowledged the pair’s talent but stressed that the game has evolved, and their style may no longer fit the high-tempo demands of the format.
“Good Players, But T20 Has Changed”
Arthur praised both players for their consistency in international cricket but pointed out that the nature of T20 cricket has shifted significantly. “They are very good cricketers,” he said, “but the game has changed. Today, T20 is all about aggression, innovation, and fearless cricket.”
His remarks suggest that while Babar and Rizwan thrive in longer formats, their comparatively steady approach may hold Pakistan back in the shortest format, where explosive power-hitting has become a necessity.
Support for Current Team Management
Arthur also spoke about Pakistan’s current coaching setup under Mike Hesson and captain Salman Ali Agha, noting that they are trying to implement their own strategies. “The new management wants to play T20 cricket their way, with their own plan,” Arthur explained, signaling that a fresh approach could bring different results for the team.
Reflecting on His Own Tenure
The former coach also looked back on his time in charge of Pakistan cricket, reminding fans that during his tenure, Pakistan achieved the No. 1 ranking in T20 Internationals. He credited that success to careful planning alongside then-captain Sarfraz Ahmed, which laid the foundation for Pakistan’s dominance in the format at the time.
What This Means for Pakistan Cricket
Arthur’s comments come at a time when Pakistan is rethinking its strategy for upcoming international tournaments. With debates ongoing about strike rates, batting approaches, and team combinations, his remarks add weight to the argument that Pakistan may need a more aggressive batting philosophy to keep up with the world’s best in T20 cricket.
Final Thoughts
While Mickey Arthur’s views may not sit well with fans of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, his experience and past success with Pakistan give his words credibility. Whether the current management decides to reshape the team’s batting approach or continue backing its star players will be a key storyline as Pakistan prepares for the next big T20 challenges.
