The 2025–26 Big Bash League season has proven difficult for Pakistan’s top batters. Babar and Rizwan have both come under criticism for their slow scoring rates. The tournament is known for fast runs and aggressive batting. Their cautious approach has sparked debate among fans and experts.
The Big Bash League rewards players who score quickly. Teams expect batters to dominate the powerplay and middle overs. In this environment, slow strike rates often attract attention. This season, Babar and Rizwan have struggled to meet those expectations.
Mohammad Rizwan’s campaign with the Melbourne Renegades faced strong scrutiny. His toughest moment came against the Sydney Thunder. Chasing a target, Rizwan scored 26 runs from 23 balls. His slow pace hurt the team’s momentum. Renegades captain Will Sutherland then made the rare call to ask Rizwan to retire out.
Rizwan’s overall numbers show his difficulties. He played 10 innings in the season. He scored 187 runs at a strike rate of just over 102. Many observers felt his approach was too careful. Several of his innings failed to lift the scoring rate. The Renegades did not qualify for the playoffs, ending Rizwan’s season early.
Babar Azam’s time with the Sydney Sixers followed a similar pattern. His run total looked reasonable on paper. However, his strike rate became a major talking point. Babar scored at 104.12, placing him among the slowest batters this season. The data includes players who faced at least 120 balls across all matches.
One moment involving Babar drew wide attention. It came during a Sixers match against the Sydney Thunder. During the Power Surge, Steve Smith turned down an easy single. This left Babar stranded on 47. Cameras showed Babar’s visible frustration.
Smith then shifted gears with aggressive hitting. Babar was later dismissed for 47 from 39 balls. The innings renewed questions about his scoring tempo in key phases.
In other related news also read Babar Loses Places in ICC ODI Rankings
As BBL 15 enters its final stage, the focus remains on Babar. Fans hope he can adjust his approach. The discussion around Babar and Rizwan highlights the challenge of adapting to modern T20 demands.
