Scholar’s black magic claim adds bizarre twist to Babar Azam’s World Cup slump

A well-known Islamic scholar has sparked widespread debate after claiming that Babar Azam’s dip in form at the ongoing T20 World Cup 2026 is the result of black magic.

The remarks quickly gained traction online, with the scholar suggesting that the former Pakistan captain’s prolonged struggle to regain his best touch is due to supernatural forces. The claim comes at a time when Babar is enduring one of the toughest phases of his professional career.

At the T20 World Cup 2026, being held in Sri Lanka and India, Babar has failed to find his usual fluency at the crease. Across five innings, he has scored 91 runs at an average of 22.75, numbers far below the lofty standards he once set.

His 25 off 24 deliveries against England in the Super 8 stage intensified criticism. With a strike rate of 104.17, many analysts argued that his cautious approach prevented Pakistan from posting a competitive total.

Head coach Mike Hesson has since shifted Babar to the No. 4 position, pointing out that his powerplay strike rate in World Cups, historically below 90, does not align with the team’s current requirements at the top of the order.

Babar’s first appearance in Australia’s Big Bash League with the Sydney Sixers also failed to silence critics. He accumulated 202 runs in 11 matches at an average of 22.44. His strike rate of 103.06 was the lowest ever recorded by a player scoring more than 200 runs in a single BBL season.

Although he managed two half-centuries, Babar was dismissed for fewer than 15 runs in eight of those outings, highlighting the inconsistency that has crept into his game.

The unusual black magic narrative comes against the backdrop of a broader decline. In Test cricket, Babar has not scored a century since 2022 and averaged just 18.5 in 2024. Once ranked the No. 1 T20I batter in the world, he has now fallen to 31st in the ICC standings.

While some supporters remain confident that he can rediscover his rhythm, former wicketkeeper Rashid Latif has taken a harsher view, declaring that Babar is no longer suited to the demands of this format.