Babar Azam joins elite 16000 run club, but short-ball troubles continue

Dubai: Babar Azam, Pakistan's star batsman, achieved a significant milestone by becoming the fifth Pakistani cricketer to score 16,000 international runs across all formats. This remarkable feat occurred during Pakistan's ODI series opener against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on Sunday. Although he began the day seven runs shy of the goal, Azam ultimately scored 45 runs off 57 balls, including six fours, before being dismissed by Pavan Rathnayake.

Inzamam-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, and Javed Miandad are the only other Pakistani players to have amassed more runs than Babar in international cricket. The short-ball issue remains a persistent challenge for the 32-year-old. His dismissal on short deliveries has been a recurring problem, raising concerns about his ability to handle fast, short-pitched deliveries, particularly as the 2027 World Cup approaches in South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.

Babat's recent form has been poor, and his performance against short balls continues to be a matter of concern for both him and the Pakistan cricket team. Shoaib Akhtar, a former Pakistani fast bowler, has warned that Babar's spot in the ODI side could be questioned if his form doesn't improve. Despite his experience and the fact that Pakistan desperately needs him, there is a risk that Babar Azam may be dropped from the team if he fails to address his short-ball weakness.