Will Babar Azam get dropped for PAK vs USA clash tomorrow in ICC T20 World Cup 2026?

Babar Azam has come under the scanner ahead of PAK vs USA clash following his poor outings in the T20I.

The debate around Babar Azam’s place in Pakistan’s T20I setup has reached boiling point midway through the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. There are serious questions being asked about whether the former captain will feature in the must-win clash against the USA.

Babar Azam struggled in a scratchy outing against the Netherlands in Pakistan’s Group A opener in Colombo. Babar’s innings against the Netherlands did little to silence critics. Walking in after the dismissal of Salman Ali Agha, he struggled to find rhythm and scored just 15 runs off 18 deliveries.

Babar’s inability to rotate strike stalled Pakistan’s momentum, allowing the Netherlands to claw their way back into the contest. Pakistan eventually scraped through, but only due to Faheem Ashraf’s blistering 29 off 11 balls — a rescue act that arguably saved them from a major upset.

Babar Azam expected to get dropped for PAK vs USA clash in T20 World Cup 2026

Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali was ruthless in his assessment, even suggesting that Babar could be dropped for the next match. Speaking on the ‘Game Plan’ show, Ali claimed head coach Mike Hesson was visibly unhappy with Babar’s dismissal.

“I have a feeling that Babar will not play in Pakistan’s next game. The anger I saw on coach Mike Hesson’s face… I don’t think that he will play Babar at no 4 again in the next game,” said Ali.

Ali went further, questioning Babar’s overall suitability for the T20 format, despite his stellar record in longer formats. He also cited Babar’s underwhelming stint with the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League ahead of the World Cup.

“If you call Babar Azam a superstar in ODIs or Tests, I might still agree. But in T20Is? Kahaan se superstar hai? (How is he a superstar?) A batter who drops down from his regular batting position and comes out to bat at no 4, and cannot even tell the management that he’s not a no 4 batter! Doesn’t Babar know this?” said Basit.

Ali also claimed several players offer more impact in T20 cricket.

“Even a club cricketer will tell you that in T20S, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, they are all better players in the format than Babar! Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub are also better T20 players than Babar. Even Salman Ali Agha has shown that he’s a better player at No. 3 than Babar.”

Importantly, Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha had already made it clear before the tournament that reputation would not guarantee selection. With Pakistan aiming for flexibility and impact, Babar Azam’s place against the USA is no longer assured — a stunning turn for a player once considered untouchable.

With Babar struggling to get going in T20Is, this means that he might end up facing a snub in the Pakistan’s next clash against USA in T20 World Cup 2026.

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