A storm of controversy has erupted after a prominent Islamic scholar claimed that Pakistan captain Babar Azam is suffering from the effects of “black magic,” linking his ongoing dip in form at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup to supernatural interference rather than technical or tactical shortcomings.
The comments quickly went viral on social media, triggering intense debate among fans, analysts, and former cricketers. While some dismissed the claim as superstition, others viewed it as a reflection of the frustration surrounding Babar’s prolonged lean patch.
On the field, the numbers tell a concerning story. In five innings during the tournament, Babar has scored just 91 runs at an average of 22.75. His 25 off 24 balls against the England cricket team in the Super 8 stage became a major flashpoint. With a strike rate barely above 100, critics argued that his inability to accelerate in the middle overs cost Pakistan crucial momentum.
Head coach Mike Hesson responded by moving Babar down to No. 4 in the batting order, acknowledging that Pakistan needed greater intent during the powerplay overs. Historically, Babar’s strike rate in T20 World Cups has remained below 90 during the powerplay — a statistic that has come under renewed scrutiny in modern, high-scoring T20 cricket.
The struggles extend beyond international cricket. During his maiden season in Australia’s Big Bash League, Babar represented the Sydney Sixers and scored 202 runs in 11 matches at an average of 22.44. More concerning was his strike rate of 103.06 — the lowest among players scoring 200 or more runs in a single BBL season. Although he registered two half-centuries, he failed to cross 15 runs in eight innings.
Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif added fuel to the debate by stating that Babar is “no longer a player of this format,” suggesting that Pakistan may need to rethink its T20 blueprint.
Despite the criticism and sensational claims of supernatural causes, many supporters believe Babar’s class and temperament will eventually help him rediscover his rhythm. Whether the solution lies in technical adjustments, tactical clarity, or simply time remains to be seen — but for now, the debate around Pakistan’s premier batter shows no signs of slowing down.
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