In the aftermath of Pakistan’s disappointing eight-wicket loss to Afghanistan in the ODI World Cup, former cricketing legends from Pakistan, such as Wasim Akram, Moin Khan, Shoaib Malik, and Misbah-ul-Haq, have raised questions about Babar Azam’s ability to lead the national team. This defeat has left many cricket fans in Pakistan pondering tactics, bowling strategies, and, most crucially, the captaincy of Babar Azam.
Wasim Akram, one of Pakistan’s most prominent fast bowlers, did not mince words when expressing his dismay over the team’s performance. According to him, the responsibility for this downfall does not rest on a single individual but rather on the collective efforts of the chairman, selectors, captain, and coaches. Wasim Akram emphasizes that to achieve success in such a prestigious tournament, all these stakeholders must work in unison.
“From Chairman, selectors, captain, coaches everyone is responsible for this debacle” said Pakistan legend Wasim Akram on A Sports.
Shoaib Malik, a seasoned all-rounder, squarely places the bulk of the blame on Babar Azam’s shoulders. In his perspective, there’s no denying Babar Azam’s class with the bat, earning him the title of the ‘King’ as a batsman. However, when it comes to leadership, Shoaib Malik is unimpressed. He argues that Azam has not met the expectations that come with being a captain.
He said: “The guy who is most responsible is captain. As a batsman he is King but as a leader he is not.”
Babar Azam Hasn’t Learnt Anything In The Past 4 Years: Moin Khan
Moin Khan, former Pakistan captain and wicketkeeper, delivers perhaps the harshest critique of Babar Azam’s leadership. He asserts that Babar has been at the helm of the team for the past four years, leading them in numerous significant events. However, his leadership, in Moin’s opinion, has stagnated and shown no growth or development. Moin Khan is particularly critical of Azam’s inability to apply pressure when needed and make strategic decisions, such as placing close-in fielders or making timely bowling changes.
“He is leading the side for the past four years. He has led the team in almost all the big events. Not a single thing he has learnt over the period of time. When you need to apply pressure, he is not doing anything. When you need wickets, you don’t see the close-in fielders. You need to bring those strategies. We were playing against Afghanistan, he should have attacked by bringing the close in fielders,” said Moin.
