Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan top unwanted list of BBL batters; T20 WC 2026 in jeopardy

Rizwan, Babar in unwanted BBL list [Source: @Tejashyyyyy/x.com]

Several Pakistani stars have participated in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025-26, and it is fair to say that the move has not been successful, as the batters have consistently struggled to score runs, and even when they have scored, the runs have come at a slow rate.

A lot was expected from the likes of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shadab Khan, who are all eyeing a place in the Pakistan T20 World Cup squad, but as the data reveals, the trio has failed to deliver the goods and their strike rate in the BBL has reflected a sorry state of affairs in Pakistan cricket.

Lowest strike rate in BBL 15: Babar, Rizwan enter unwanted list

In the list of batters with the worst strike rate in the ongoing BBL, three Pakistan stars have made the cut, and it doesn’t go well with their ambitions to play in the T20 World Cup.

(Batters with lowest strike rate in BBL)

• Pakistan's keeper, Mohammad Rizwan, has the worst record, as the batter has the lowest strike rate in the ongoing league (99). Henriques and Konstas, the two Australian players, occupy the second and third spots before Babar Azam enters the list with a strike rate of just 111.96.
• Weibgen sits at fourth place, and the last spot is again occupied by a Pakistan player as Shadab Khan has a strike rate of just 125, the sixth lowest in the BBL 15.

---

ALSO READ

Shadab Khan vs Nawaz vs Abrar Ahmed: Pakistan's go-to spinner for T20 World Cup 2026 decoded

---

How this performances affects Pakistan trio's T20 WC fate?

Pakistan has already revealed its provisional squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, and Rizwan, the batter with the lowest strike rate, doesn’t make the cut. However, both Shadab and Babar are in the list and the BBL performances can have a negative impact.

Before the Asia Cup in 2025, Babar was removed from the team due to his slow strike rate, as stated by head coach Mike Hesson. However, once he was brought back into the side, there was no visible improvement, and the BBL matches reflect the sorry state of affairs.

Shadab, on the other hand left the tournament midway to take part in the Sri Lanka series, and unlike Rizwan or Babar, his place is secured since he can also deliver with the ball, and is more of a bowling all-rounder.

---

ALSO READ

Babar Azam uncertain: 3 Pakistan players who can be axed from provisional T20 WC squad

---