“He is not doing anything”: Former Pakistan players slam Babar Azam’s leadership

 

“He is not doing anything”: Former Pakistan players slam Babar Azam’s leadership  

Pakistan’s disappointing eight-wicket loss to Afghanistan in the 2023 World Cup has triggered harsh criticism from legendary cricketers, who are now questioning captain Babar Azam’s leadership skills. The defeat, where Afghanistan easily chased down the 283-run target in Chennai, prompted scrutiny of Babar’s bowling decisions and field placements.

Wasim Akram, a legendary fast bowler, didn’t spare anyone in his criticism, stating that the board chairman, selectors, captain, and coaches were all responsible for the defeat.

However, former all-rounder Shoaib Malik singled out Babar Azam for the majority of the blame.

“The captain bears the most responsibility. He’s a king with the bat, but as a leader, he falls short,” he said.

Former Pakistan captain Moin Khan joined the chorus of disapproval, emphasizing that despite leading the team for the past four years, Babar Azam seemed like a novice.

“He’s been leading the team for four years, including major events, and hasn’t learned a single thing during this time,” Moin said.

“When pressure is required, he remains inactive. Close-in fielders are absent when wickets are needed. Strategic changes are necessary. Against Afghanistan, he should have attacked with close-in fielders,” he added.

“It would have boosted Haris’s confidence if the captain had given him the ball after the powerplay when there are four fielders in the deep. Then, he can bowl his bouncers. If he bowls short of length outside the off stump, he’ll have a sweeper cover. Currently, what’s happening is he’s getting hit for four boundaries in the first over, and he’s struggling for the entire game,” former captain Misbah ul Haq said.

“Our spin department is facing challenges, and our captain doesn’t think out of the box. Saud Shakeel is available; you should utilize him as a bowler, but he isn’t given the ball,” Shoaib Malik concluded.