Wasim Akram Critiques Babar Azam's Captaincy Amidst Team Turmoil
Akram Questions Babar's Leadership
Islamabad [Pakistan], September 20: Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has expressed his discontent with current skipper Babar Azam, questioning his awareness of significant changes within the team during the Test series against England. Akram's remarks come after Pakistan's disappointing performance in the three-match Test series, which concluded unfavorably for the team.
Following a second Test loss at Lord's, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) initiated a major overhaul, dismissing head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed, bowling coach Umar Gul, and seven players, including senior members Mohammed Rizwan and Imam ul Haq. Babar himself struggled with the bat, recording three low scores before managing a quick 76 in the final innings at Edgbaston, albeit in a losing cause.
Akram criticized the decision to reinstate Babar as captain from Shan Masood, stating that it was an unnecessary move. Speaking at an event in Manchester, he remarked, "I don't want to place blame, and I could be mistaken, but I believe Babar should not have resumed the captaincy. This situation was avoidable."
Before the third Test in Birmingham, Babar was taken aback when informed about the team changes, claiming it was "news to him." Akram questioned Babar's role as captain if he was unaware of such significant adjustments, asking rhetorically, "If you don't know, 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, suggesting that Babar should have stepped down after the second Test and participated solely as a player in the final match.
Babar was appointed Test captain in July, succeeding Shan Masood ahead of tours to the West Indies and England. During his previous captaincy from 2020 to 2023, he led Pakistan in 20 Tests, achieving 10 victories, six losses, and four draws.
Upon returning to leadership, Babar guided Pakistan to a 1-1 draw in the West Indies, earning the 'Player of the Series' title with two fifties and a total of 193 runs.
Additionally, Pakistan faced penalties for a slow over-rate during the final ICC World Test Championship match against England in Birmingham. The team was found to be 11 overs short, resulting in a 50% fine of their match fee and an 11-point deduction in the ongoing World Test Championship cycle.
Consequently, Pakistan's position in the World Test Championship standings has deteriorated, leaving them in ninth place with a points percentage of 4.63.