Former Pakistani pacer slams Babar, Rizwan for skipping T20 Cup
What's the story
Former Pakistani pacer Sikander Bakht has come out in the open to slam Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan for skipping the National T20 Cup, organized by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The duo was dropped from the squad for the T20I series against New Zealand after Pakistan's dismal show in the Champions Trophy 2025.
Their decision to not play this national tournament has drawn widespread criticism, with former players like Bakht calling for the cancellation of their contracts.
Here's more.
Call for accountability
Bakht urges PCB to take action against players
Bakht has called on PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to be 'strict' with the star players and end their central contracts.
He reasoned that by opting out of PCB-organized tournaments, these players are disrespecting the governing body and should be punished for it.
"They are employees of the Pakistan Cricket Board. They have to make sure that players are available. They get 60 lakh per month, so they must play in the tournaments the PCB is organizing," Bakht told Geo Super.
Club commitment
Rizwan's club cricket commitment raises eyebrows
Rizwan was recently spotted playing a club cricket match in Peshawar, which led to conversations on social media.
Traditionally, Rizwan plays domestic cricket when not on international duty.
However, after performing Umrah in Mecca and before flying to New Zealand for the ODI series, he opted for club cricket to unwind.
This decision has only intensified criticism against him and Babar for missing the National T20 Cup.
Contract concerns
PCB's central contracts under scrutiny
The controversy over Babar and Rizwan's absence from the National T20 Cup has also raised questions over the PCB's central contracts.
Bakht believes players contracted by the board should be bound to play in all tournaments organized by them.
He urged Naqvi to take a stricter stand, saying terminating these players' central contracts would send a strong message about accountability in Pakistan cricket.
"You have to ask what is happening. Be strict. Stop their central contracts," he stated.
Numbers
A look at the star duo's numbers in T20s
Babar has amassed 11,042 runs across 310 T20s. He has an average of 43.30 and boasts a strike rate of 129.35.
In 299 innings he has smashed 11 hundreds and 90 half-centuries alongside a high score of 122.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Rizwan has raced to 8,054 T20 runs across 276 matches. The wicketkeeper batter owns an average of 42.61 alongside a strike rate of 125.29.
Additionally, he has smashed two hundreds and 68 fifties with a high score of 110*.