Following Pakistan‘s disappointing early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024 held in the United States of America (USA) and West Indies, legendary pacer Shoaib Akhtar has voiced strong criticism of Babar Azam‘s captaincy. Pakistan, the 2009 champions and finalists in the 2007 and 2022 editions, suffered shocking defeats to the USA and arch-rivals India, failing to progress beyond the group stage. Babar, the team’s star batter and captain, not only failed in his leadership role but also struggled as a player, managing only 122 runs in his four innings at the mega event.
Captaincy changes and criticism
Earlier last year, Babar relinquished his captaincy following the team’s poor show in the ODI World Cup 2023. Shaheen Afridi was appointed as the T20I skipper but was sacked after just one series due to a change in PCB management, leading to Babar’s reappointment as captain. Akhtar criticized this decision, stating that Babar did not qualify for the job and questioned the judgment of those who reinstated him. The former paceman emphasized that Babar’s poor performance as a player and captain is a significant factor in Pakistan’s early exit from the tournament.
“Who made Babar Azam captain at first place? Who was the Einstein by the way? I need to know that guy. Did he actually qualify for the job or not? Did he even know a thing or two about captaincy?,” Shoaib was quoted as saying by the NDTV Sports.
“I have been saying that Babar is not a captain material. What is going to happen to Babar now? He is going to come down at No.4. He has to finish the games. He has to win the games. If he doesn’t, he will not be able to keep his place in T20s. I am telling you right now,” the 48-year-added.
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Shoaib Akhtar’s critique of Babar Azam
Akhtar didn’t mince his words when discussing Babar’s batting performance. He pointed out flaws in Babar’s technique and match-finishing skills, advising him to work on these areas to improve his game. Akhtar asserted that if Babar does not learn from his mistakes, he risks losing his place in the side. He emphasized the importance of Babar taking responsibility and performing on the big stage to prove his critics wrong and regain the confidence of his team and fans.
“He will not be able to keep his place in ODIs because he has to finish the games. The ‘finisher’ Babar Azam needs to come out. That’s where his character comes out. That’s where the character of Babar Azam is gonna come out. In times to come, that kind of pressure, he needs to take. I am bluntly saying that to Babar, Babar you are going to remain a superstar but start and get to know how to finish the games,” Shoaib concluded.
