The ongoing Big Bash League season has triggered an intense discussion among cricket fans after an unexpected statistical list surfaced. Two of Pakistan’s biggest batting stars, Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam, have found themselves featured at the very top — but not for the reasons many were hoping for.
Both players entered the tournament with massive expectations, especially in a format where aggressive batting is considered a basic requirement. However, their approach this season has drawn criticism from fans and analysts alike.
Mohammad Rizwan Tops the List for Slowest Strike Rate
According to the latest BBL statistics, Mohammad Rizwan currently sits at the top of the slowest strike-rate list this season.
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Strike Rate: 102.74
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Matches Played: 10 innings
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Total Runs: 187
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Batting Average: 18.7
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Half-Centuries: 0
Despite being known for his consistency and reliability, Rizwan’s cautious style has failed to provide the explosive starts expected in the Big Bash League, where teams heavily rely on power-hitting from top-order batters.
Babar Azam Ranked Second Despite Better Output
Following closely behind Rizwan is Pakistan’s former captain Babar Azam, who occupies the second position on the same list.
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Strike Rate: 107.48
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Matches Played: 9
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Total Runs: 201
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Batting Average: 28.71
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Half-Centuries: 2
While Babar has managed to score two fifties, his strike rate remains a major talking point. In a league designed for fast-paced cricket, many believe his traditional batting approach has limited his impact during crucial moments.
Other Players on the List
The list doesn’t end with Pakistani players. Other international batters have also struggled to maintain aggressive scoring rates:
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Konstas: Strike Rate of 110.21
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Tom Rogers: Strike Rate of 127.50
However, expectations from Rizwan and Babar were significantly higher due to their international experience and T20 credentials.
Why This Matters in Modern T20 Cricket
In today’s T20 cricket, especially in leagues like the Big Bash, strike rate often outweighs batting average. Teams look for batters who can shift momentum quickly rather than simply preserve wickets.
This is why the presence of Rizwan and Babar at the top of this list has become a hot topic among fans, former cricketers, and analysts — particularly in Pakistan.
Final Thoughts
While both players remain world-class batters, the Big Bash League has once again highlighted the growing gap between traditional batting styles and modern T20 demands. Whether they adapt their approach in the coming matches remains something fans will be watching closely.
