Watch: “Can’t smash…”- Babar Azam responds to his strike rate criticism during PSL 2026  

Over the last couple of years, there has been considerable discussion about Babar Azam's poor strike rate in the shortest format. Many reckon that he struggles to start aggressively inside the powerplay, which puts enormous pressure on the middle order to smash from the very first delivery. 

Babar, playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 for the Peshawar Zalmi, has smashed 230 runs in five innings at an average of 57.50 and a strike rate of 130.68, thanks to one half-century at the best score of unbeaten 87 runs.

Babar Azam takes down on strike rate criticism

During the recent clash against Multan Sultans, the right-handed batter struggled for 18 runs in just 20 deliveries with one six at a strike rate of 90. His slow batting resulted in the loss of his partners. Babar, coming into the press conference, responded harshly to the strike rate criticism.

“At different numbers, it’s important to play differently. You have to understand the situation and look at the scoreboard. And there is a certain cry on my strike rate. I reckon you need to assess the condition. For example, we made around 240 on that surface in Karachi. But on the very next day, we worked hard somehow to reach 180.” The former Pakistan captain expressed.

Watch the video here: 

“So, things can change. Conditions matter. And you can’t play the same way every day. You can’t smash every single day. If you are lucky, you could get a few shots; otherwise, you have to try a few of those. Every day, you have to come up with a different game plan.” He addressed.

The veteran also claimed that he would always try to bat according to the demands of the game and the situation. He also pointed out how the partner also helps the batter out while struggling, and that increased the importance of the partnership in T20s.

“For me, it’s about the demand of the condition or the situation of the game. If I am coming inside the power play, I also know that I will have to utilize the good shots. You have built the partnership and selected the bowler you need to take the chances on. You can or can’t manage the strike rate. Sometimes, your partner also helps you in the strike rate part, and then it becomes a different ball game.” Babar concluded.

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His Peshawar Zalmi are at the top of the points table in PSL 2026 with an unbeaten campaign of five wins in six clashes, including a washed-out fixture.

Fans react to Babar’s response to strike rate critics

Here is how the fans have reacted to Babar’s response to the strike rate critics-