Shoaib Akhtar Criticises Babar Azam's Leadership Post T20 World Cup

Following Pakistan's early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024 in the USA and West Indies, legendary pacer Shoaib Akhtar has expressed strong criticism of Babar Azam's captaincy.

Pakistan, the 2009 champions and finalists in the 2007 and 2022 editions, suffered shocking defeats to the USA followed by an unwanted defeat to arch-rivals India, failing to progress beyond the group stage. Akhtar's pointed remarks have added to the mounting criticism Babar has been facing from former players and fans alike.

Babar Azam, who had previously stepped down from the captaincy, was reinstated as the skipper in March, just ahead of the World Cup. However, his leadership has come under severe scrutiny following Pakistan's lackluster performance. Akhtar did not hold back in his assessment, questioning the initial decision to appoint Babar as captain.

"Who made Babar Azam captain in the first place? Who was the Einstein behind that decision? I need to know that person. Did he even know a thing or two about captaincy?" Akhtar questioned, highlighting his long-standing doubts about Babar's suitability for the role. Akhtar further emphasized that Babar needs to adapt his game and take on more responsibility if he hopes to secure his place in the team.

Calls for Babar to Evolve

"I have been saying that Babar is not captaincy material. What is going to happen to Babar now? He is going to have to come down the order to No.4. He has to finish the games. He has to win the games. If he doesn't, he will not be able to keep his place in T20s. I am telling you right now. He will not be able to keep his place in ODIs either because he has to finish the games," Akhtar asserted.

The former fast bowler stressed the importance of Babar developing into a 'finisher,' a role that requires handling high-pressure situations and steering the team to victory.

Future Prospects for Babar Azam

"The 'finisher' Babar Azam needs to come out. That's where his character comes out. In times to come, that kind of pressure, he needs to take. I am bluntly saying to Babar, you are going to remain a superstar but start and get to know how to finish the games," Akhtar added, pointing to the critical need for Babar to evolve his game.

Despite the intense criticism, Babar Azam has stated that he has not considered relinquishing the captaincy again and will leave the decision to the Pakistan Cricket Board. As the team reflects on its World Cup debacle, the spotlight remains firmly on Babar, both as a captain and a key player, to see how he responds to the calls for change and improvement.