Azhar Mahmood Defends Babar Azam Amid Criticism Ahead of England Test Series

As Pakistan gears up for the Test series against England, former all-rounder Azhar Mahmood has come to the defense of captain Babar Azam, who has faced intense criticism for his recent performances. Mahmood highlights Babar's struggles and the undue pressure from former players and media. He emphasizes the need for support for the star batter, who has a commendable record against England. With the series approaching, Babar aims to overcome his challenges and prove his critics wrong. This article delves into Mahmood's insights and Babar's journey in the cricketing world.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 18, 2026, 01:15 IST

Mahmood Stands Up for Babar Azam

Azhar Mahmood, the former all-rounder and coach of Pakistan, has responded to critical remarks directed at Test captain Babar Azam as the team prepares for the first Test against England at Headingley in Leeds on August 19.

Babar Azam has faced significant criticism due to his recent struggles in red-ball cricket, with many pundits and former players questioning his performance. His ongoing century drought, which has persisted since December 2022, has intensified scrutiny, particularly after his last significant score of 161 against New Zealand in Karachi.

Support from a Former Coach

Having previously served as Pakistan's assistant and interim head coach, Mahmood defended Babar's essential role in the team, criticizing former players for undermining the captain's efforts.

In a Sky Sports interview with ex-England cricketers Mike Atherton and Nasser Hussain, Mahmood highlighted Babar's shy nature and the challenges he has faced throughout his international career, especially after being dropped from the Test squad following the 2024 England series.

Babar's Struggles and Potential

Mahmood noted that Babar was deeply affected by the harsh treatment he received from former players and social media critics during his time away from the national team. He stated, "We have only one superstar, and we are constantly pulling him down."

Reflecting on Babar's recent performance, Mahmood acknowledged that while there are areas for improvement in Babar's game, he believes the captain has matured and is capable of leading effectively. He emphasized that Babar's confidence shines through when he is in a leadership role.

Looking Ahead to the England Series

The upcoming Test series against England marks a crucial opportunity for Babar Azam to break free from his recent slump. Following a 1-1 series draw against the West Indies, he is eager to demonstrate his skills and silence his critics.

Historically, Babar has performed well against England, amassing 646 runs at an impressive average of 53.83 in 14 innings across 8 matches, including one century and six fifties.

Injury Concerns

Additionally, Babar Azam recently faced a hand injury scare just before the England Test series, raising concerns about his fitness ahead of this important matchup.