Former England skipper Michael Vaughan believes Babar Azam remains a world-class batter but argues the time may be right for the Pakistan stalwart to consider stepping away from T20 internationals after the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026. Vaughan’s view is simple: the T20 game has morphed into a power festival where the modern archetype is a muscular hitter who attacks from ball one — a type that doesn’t always suit every elite batter.

Michael Vaughan admitted his admiration for Babar’s technique and temperament. “I just think he’s a beautiful player,” he said on Cricbuzz. “If you look at how T20 has moved in the last few years, it’s become almost baseball-like with athletes who smash from ball one. Guys like Finn Allen are examples: massive hitters who redefine the format. That doesn’t suit every top-order player.”

He argued Babar’s strengths — compact footwork, timing and a preference for hitting along the deck — lend themselves more naturally to Tests and ODIs.

“For his prolonged Test and ODI career, giving up T20 internationals might be the smartest play,” Michael Vaughan said, suggesting Babar could still pick and choose lucrative franchise stints such as the Pakistan Super League while protecting his international longevity.

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Vaughan placed Babar among the modern batsmen he most enjoys watching. “If you asked me to name five players I love to watch over the last two decades, Babar would be on that list,” he added, grouping him with the likes of Steve Smith, Joe Root and Virat Kohli for his purity of strokeplay.

Recognising T20’s entertainment value, Vaughan emphasised choice and workload management. “T20 is fantastic entertainment, but every player must manage workload and priorities. For Babar, focusing on Test and ODI cricket while picking selective franchise outings could extend a brilliant international career,” he said.

Michael Vaughan also discussed the wider selection dilemma that boards face when balancing formats. He suggested management should sit down with senior batters and map out a career plan that prioritises longevity.

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“Boards must create a pipeline where players can play franchise cricket selectively without burning out on the international circuit,” he said. The debate over format specialisation is growing, and Vaughan believes senior batters should steward that transition. Fans and pundits will watch closely.