Former Pakistani cricket legends Wasim Akram, Moin Khan, Shoaib Malik, and Misbah-ul-Haq have strongly criticized Babar Azam’s captaincy during the World Cup 2023. This harsh critique comes in the wake of Pakistan’s disappointing eight-wicket loss to Afghanistan, where the Afghan team managed to limit Pakistan to 282 runs and subsequently chased down the target with eight wickets and an over remaining. The defeat stirred up considerable controversy in Pakistan, with former players highlighting concerns regarding strategies, bowling performance, and Babar Azam’s effectiveness as captain.
Pakistan cricket legends unleash fury on Babar Azam’s captaincy
“From Chairman, selectors, captain, coaches everyone is responsible for this debacle” Wasim Akram said on A Sports.
On the other hand, Shoaib Malik placed the blame for the current situation on Babar Azam. Malik emphasized, “The guy who is most responsible is captain. As a batsman he is King but as a leader he is not.”
Former Pakistan captain and wicket-keeper Moin Khan delivered a harsh critique, stating that Babar, as a captain, has failed to learn from his previous experiences.
“He is leading the side for the past four years. He has led the team in almost all the big events. Not a single thing he has learnt over the period of time,” said Moin.
Misbah-ul-Haq expressed his concern that Babar Azam’s captaincy has had a negative impact on the confidence of Haris Rauf, who is facing difficulties in maintaining the right bowling lengths during the powerplay.
“It would have been good for Haris’s confidence if captain would have given the ball after the powerplay, when there are four fielders in the deep. Then he can bowl his bouncers. If he is bowling short of length outside the off stump, he will have a sweeper cover. Now what’s happening is that he is getting hit four boundaries in the first over and he is done for the whole game.”
Babar Azam and Pakistan’s rocky World Cup 2023 journey
Babar Azam & Co made a strong start, with convincing wins against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka in their first two matches. However, a series of painful losses to India, Australia, and now Afghanistan have exposed their weaknesses, putting them on the brink of elimination.
In the competitive race among ten teams to secure one of the four semifinal spots, Pakistan cannot afford another setback. They must emerge victorious in their remaining four league stage matches. With a 2-3 win/loss record after five matches, another loss would severely jeopardize their chances.
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