LAHORE: Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha has thrown his full support behind star batter Babar Azam ahead of the national team’s three-match T20I series against Australia, which gets underway on Thursday at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Speaking to the media in Lahore on Wednesday, a day before the series opener, Salman brushed aside concerns regarding Babar’s recent form in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15. The right-hander managed 202 runs in 11 matches for Sydney Sixers, averaging 22.44 with a strike rate of 103.06.

The Pakistan captain made it clear that Babar’s performances in franchise cricket hold little relevance when assessing his value to the national side. “I wish one day I attend a press conference and I’m not asked about Babar Azam,” Salman said, urging the media to allow the batter space and focus on other players as well.

“I agree Babar didn’t perform as expected in the BBL, but for us, he has always been a proven performer,” he added. “What matters to me is how he performs for Pakistan. What he does in the BBL is not important.”

Despite recent criticism, Babar remains one of Pakistan’s most dependable batters in the T20I format. In 2025, he scored 206 runs in eight T20Is at a solid average of 34.33, including two half-centuries. However, his strike rate of 114.44 continues to draw debate.

Salman also spoke about Pakistan’s batting approach in home conditions, noting that pitch behavior plays a key role in determining scoring patterns. He pointed out that Pakistan have posted totals in excess of 200 in similar conditions in the past, including during last year’s series against Bangladesh.

Highlighting the competitive nature of modern T20 cricket, Salman stressed that no team can be taken lightly at the international level. He termed the upcoming Australia series as “very important” and said the team is focused on fixing weaknesses and executing plans according to match conditions.

The three-match T20I series, scheduled from January 29 to February 1 at the Gaddafi Stadium, will also serve as vital preparation for both sides ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026