Babar Azam endured a disappointing campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, struggling for runs as Pakistan exited the competition. The former captain came under heavy scrutiny for his performances and was even left out of the playing XI for Pakistan’s final Super 8 match against Sri Lanka national cricket team.
Despite the criticism surrounding his form, Babar has now been handed a fresh leadership role in domestic cricket — in the same format where he found it difficult to make an impact at the World Cup.
To Lead Lahore Region Whites in National T20 Cup
According to reports in Pakistani media, Babar is set to captain Lahore Region Whites in the National T20 Cup 2026. The domestic tournament is scheduled to begin on Thursday, February 5.
Lahore Region Whites will open their campaign against Peshawar Region at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
In the previous edition, Lahore Region Whites progressed to the quarter-finals. Under Mohammad Akhlaq’s leadership, however, they were eliminated after a six-wicket defeat to Abbottabad Region in the first quarter-final. This time, the management will look for improved results with Babar at the helm.
More Read
Tough World Cup Outing
Babar’s potential return to captaincy at the domestic level comes against the backdrop of widespread criticism over his approach in key matches during the T20 World Cup.
He managed just 91 runs across four innings, averaging 22.75 with a strike rate of 112.34. His struggles became a focal point in discussions around Pakistan’s underwhelming campaign, with many pointing to his inability to accelerate as a concern.
Uncertain National Future
While his presence in the National T20 Cup is expected to boost the profile of Pakistan’s domestic competition, reports suggest his place in the national side may be under threat.
More Read
A report by Geo Super indicates that Babar could be omitted from Pakistan’s ODI squad for the upcoming series against Bangladesh national cricket team. The same report adds that opener Saim Ayub and all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz may also face exclusion.
Such a move would represent another setback for the 31-year-old, who was already dropped from the playing XI during the T20 World Cup.
Recent White-Ball Numbers
Since the ODI World Cup 2023, Babar has featured in 23 ODIs, scoring 772 runs in 23 innings at an average of 38.6, including one century and five half-centuries.
In T20Is since the T20 World Cup 2024, he has accumulated 451 runs in 20 innings at an average of 26.52 and a strike rate of 118.99, registering three half-centuries in that period.
As he prepares to lead Lahore Region Whites, attention will remain firmly on whether Babar can rediscover his rhythm and translate domestic leadership into a return to form on the international stage.
