Sikander Bakht Criticizes Babar & Rizwan for Skipping National T20 Cup
Former Pakistan pacer Sikander Bakht has strongly criticized Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam for skipping the National T20 Cup, instead opting to play club cricket. He believes that as employees of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), these players are obligated to participate in every tournament organized by the board.
Bakht expressed his disappointment, stating, “They are employees of the PCB and receive Rs 60 lakh per month. They must play in PCB-organized tournaments, not club cricket. The board must ensure player availability.”
Calls for Strict Action Against Players
During a discussion on Geo News, Sikander Bakht urged PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi to take a firm stance against the players’ decisions.
“This shouldn’t happen. Mohsin Naqvi needs to be strict. He comes across as a polite person, but he needs to enforce discipline. Ask tough questions. Be strict. If necessary, revoke their central contracts,” he said.
Rizwan Plays Club Cricket Instead of Domestic Tournament
Mohammad Rizwan was recently seen playing club cricket in Peshawar, with his no-look shots going viral on social media. Rizwan, known for regularly playing domestic cricket when not on international duty, reportedly chose club cricket to relax after performing Umrah before heading to New Zealand for the ODI series.
Babar Azam & Naseem Shah’s Performance in National T20 Cup
Alongside Rizwan, Babar Azam and Naseem Shah also initially skipped the National T20 Cup. However, they later joined Lahore Blues in a match against Karachi Whites.
- Babar Azam, opening the innings, scored 22 runs off 17 balls, including three boundaries.
- Naseem Shah had a tough outing, conceding 41 runs in four overs without taking a wicket.
All three—Babar, Rizwan, and Naseem—were dropped from the national squad for the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand. Pakistan, fielding a new-look squad, suffered a heavy nine-wicket defeat in the opening match.
