Babar Azam Smashes Shaheen Afridi For 21 Runs In 5 Balls Days After T20 World Cup Call-Up

The inclusion of star batter Babar Azam in Pakistan's squad for the T20 World Cup 2026 has left social media divided. Babar struggled to score runs in the Big Bash League (BBL), and his lack of form led to major criticism from both fans and experts. However, he kicked off his training for the competition in almost perfect fashion, scoring 21 runs off just 5 balls from the bowling of Shaheen Afridi. In a video going viral on social media, Babar was seen hitting massive sixes off Afridi's bowling; during the match simulation, the batter slammed 6, 4, 6, 1, and 4 off the 5 balls against the premier fast bowler.

Meanwhile, Pakistan kept the suspense alive over its participation in the upcoming men's T20 World Cup, deferring a final decision until at least Friday and contemplating a boycott of its marquee clash against co-hosts India in solidarity with Bangladesh, who were ousted from the tournament.

Babar Azam hits 21 runs off 5 deliveries against Shaheen Shah Afridi in a practice match.#Cricket pic.twitter.com/ax2oluy20s

— CricBlog(@cric_blog) January 26, 2026

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said a final call on participation will be taken either on Friday or next Monday after chairman Mohsin Naqvi met Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

Naqvi later took to social media to confirm that the issue was discussed at length during his meeting with the Prime Minister in Islamabad.

"I had a productive meeting with the Prime Minister and briefed him on the ICC matter. He directed that we resolve it while keeping all options on the table," Naqvi tweeted.

"It was agreed that the final decision will be taken either on Friday or next Monday," he added.

According to sources, Prime Minister Sharif told Naqvi that Pakistan should extend all possible support to Bangladesh, who were recently ousted from the tournament, starting February 7.

The sources said the Prime Minister was briefed on multiple scenarios, including the possibility of Pakistan not sending its team for the T20 World Cup, or participating in the event but boycotting the high-profile match against India scheduled for February 15 in Colombo, if that course of action helped Bangladesh cricket in any manner.

The PCB had earlier maintained that the government would take the final call on Pakistan's participation in the event in view of the evolving situation following Bangladesh's exit from the competition.

Bangladesh, who have been replaced by Scotland in the 20-team event, had sought shifting of its matches to Sri Lanka, citing security concerns in India, but the ICC rejected the request, saying no such verifiable threat existed.

Pakistan are scheduled to open their T20 World Cup campaign against the Netherlands on February 7 in Colombo, followed by matches against the USA (February 10), India (February 15) and Namibia (February 18).

PCB announced its 15-man squad on Sunday, including experienced Babar Azam but excluding Haris Rauf. The squad will be led by Salman Ali Agha. 

(With PTI inputs)

Topics mentioned in this article

Pakistan Cricket Team Babar Azam Shaheen Afridi Cricket