Wasim Akram Critiques Babar Azam's Leadership Amidst Team Turmoil

In a recent critique, former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has raised concerns about Babar Azam's leadership during a challenging Test series against England. Following a series of disappointing performances and significant team changes, Akram questioned Babar's awareness of the situation, suggesting he should have stepped down as captain. With the Pakistan Cricket Board making drastic changes after a second Test defeat, Akram's comments highlight the pressures faced by the current skipper. As Pakistan grapples with sanctions for slow over-rates, the future of Babar's captaincy remains uncertain. Read on for a detailed analysis of the situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 20, 2026, 20:35 IST

Akram's Strong Words for Babar Azam

Former Pakistan cricket captain Wasim Akram has expressed his discontent with current skipper Babar Azam, questioning his awareness of significant changes within the team during the recent Test series against England. The three-match series ended poorly for Pakistan, culminating in a second Test loss at Lord's. Following this defeat, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) executed a major overhaul, dismissing head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, bowling coach Umar Gul, and seven players, including notable figures like Mohammed Rizwan and Imam ul Haq.

Babar's performance was underwhelming, as he recorded three single-digit scores before managing a quick 76 in the final innings at Edgbaston, albeit in a losing cause.

Akram Questions Babar's Captaincy

During an event in Manchester, Akram voiced his belief that Babar should not have resumed the captaincy from Shan Masood. He stated, "I do not want to blame anyone, and I could be wrong as well. But in my opinion, Babar should not have taken the captaincy. All of this was unnecessary."

Before the third Test in Birmingham, Babar was taken aback when informed about the team changes, admitting it was "news to him."

A Provocative Question

Akram, a legendary fast bowler, challenged Babar's role as captain, questioning his lack of knowledge regarding the team's shake-ups. He remarked, "If you don’t know, then what were you doing here? Were you here to sell chickpeas?" He emphasized that a captain's support is crucial for players to perform at their best.

Akram suggested that Babar should have stepped down as captain after the second Test and participated in the final match solely as a player.

Babar's Captaincy Record

Babar Azam took over as Test captain in July, succeeding Shan Masood ahead of tours to the West Indies and England. During his previous tenure from 2020 to 2023, he led Pakistan in 20 Tests, achieving 10 victories, six losses, and four draws. Upon returning to captaincy, Pakistan drew 1-1 in the West Indies, with Babar earning the 'Player of the Series' title for his two fifties and a total of 193 runs.

Sanctions for Slow Over-Rate

Pakistan faced penalties for a slow over-rate during the final ICC World Test Championship match against England in Birmingham. They were found to be 11 overs short, resulting in a 50% fine of their match fee and an 11-point deduction in the World Test Championship standings. Consequently, Pakistan now occupies the ninth position with a points percentage of 4.63.