Babar Azam Faces Criticism as PCB Overhauls Squad During England Tour

Babar Azam Under Fire from Former Captain

Babar Azam, the captain of the Pakistan Test cricket team, has received significant backlash from former wicketkeeper and captain Rashid Latif, who labeled him a 'dummy captain' following a major squad reshuffle by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) during their tour in England.

The PCB, led by Mohsin Naqvi, reacted swiftly after two consecutive losses in the ongoing three-match Test series against England, opting to drop seven players, including notable figures like Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, and Imam-ul-Haq, along with red-ball head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul.

Under Babar's leadership, Pakistan has struggled on this Test tour, failing to score over 200 runs in any of their four innings, with their highest score being 194 in a daunting 389-run chase at Lord's, which ended in a heavy 194-run defeat after an earlier innings loss by 135 runs at Headingley.

Latif Critiques Babar's Lack of Response

The PCB's unexpected changes during the tour have ignited criticism from former players, with Rashid Latif questioning Babar Azam's silence amid the turmoil.

In a discussion on a YouTube show with Dr. Nauman Niaz, Latif criticized Babar for not defending his support staff and mentor, Sarfaraz Ahmed, while the board made significant changes behind closed doors. He emphasized that a true leader should challenge management when such drastic actions are taken mid-series.

Latif stated, 'Babar should have resigned here. Half of the team has been sent back home. If I were in his place, I would have given up the captaincy. You have become a dummy captain. There's a difference between a leader and a captain.'

Debate Over Babar's Leadership

Latif's 'dummy captain' remark has sparked a lively debate among cricket fans, with many supporting his critique of Babar Azam's inaction during the PCB's overhaul.

On social media, reactions varied, with some fans agreeing with Latif's assessment of Babar's silence, while others questioned whether the captain had any influence over the PCB's decisions to make such sweeping changes mid-tour.

Frustration over the PCB's management of the team was evident, as discussions continued regarding Babar's role in the ongoing situation.

Babar's Performance Under Scrutiny

In the first two Tests against England, Pakistan's performance has been heavily criticized, particularly regarding Imam-ul-Haq's fitness and form, as he suffered a calf injury at Lord's before being sent home ahead of the third Test.

The performance of senior players, including Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Salman Ali Agha, has also come under fire for failing to stabilize the batting order during critical moments of the series, leading to their removal as part of the seven-player shake-up before the final Test.

Babar Azam's Struggles Continue

Babar Azam was unable to participate in the opening Test at Headingley due to a finger injury, forcing him to watch as Pakistan faced a crushing innings defeat. He returned to lead a struggling team in the second Test, where he scored just 8 and 6 runs, further intensifying the pressure on him as the team prepares for the final match of the tour.