Ex-Pakistan Cricketer’s Scathing Attack on Babar Azam: Is Pakistan’s Star Captain Untouchable?
In a recent tirade that sent shockwaves through the cricketing world, a former Pakistan cricketer launched a blistering attack on Babar Azam, the nation’s beloved captain, suggesting that Babar should “rest” and that “any other player would’ve been dropped by now.” These words are bound to ignite fierce debate, challenging both Babar’s leadership and Pakistan’s seemingly unshakeable loyalty to their captain. Is this criticism justified, or is it a desperate attempt to dismantle a cornerstone of Pakistan cricket?
The Critic’s Harsh Assessment
The ex-cricketer in question, whose identity has ignited speculation, didn’t mince words when addressing Babar’s recent performances. He implied that Pakistan’s management is turning a blind eye to Babar’s recent struggles, both as a batsman and a leader. According to him, Babar’s lean patch and perceived inability to inspire the team in high-pressure situations would have seen any other player dropped from the squad. Yet, Babar remains untouchable.
While Babar’s skill with the bat is unquestionable, with impressive averages across all formats, his captaincy has been under the microscope. The critic points out that the same leniency would never be afforded to others on the team, hinting at favoritism and an unspoken policy of selective accountability. Is Pakistan holding on to Babar because of his star power, even at the cost of the team’s overall success?
Babar’s Struggles and Pakistan’s Inconsistencies
Babar Azam’s recent performances have been inconsistent, raising questions about his ability to lead by example. His batting, once a pillar of strength for the Pakistani side, has looked vulnerable in key matches. The ex-cricketer’s suggestion that Babar should be rested hints at a deeper concern — that Babar’s presence on the team might be hampering younger talents from emerging, or worse, that the burden of captaincy is taking a toll on his game.
The critic’s remarks, though incendiary, touch on a valid point: the culture of accountability in Pakistani cricket. When legends like Younis Khan and Mohammad Yousuf had lean patches, they were benched or rested. Yet, Babar seems to have transcended this tradition, raising the question of whether he is being shielded from consequences because of his marketing value and his status as Pakistan’s golden boy.
Pakistan’s Leadership Dilemma
There’s no denying Babar’s importance as a batsman, but the larger question revolves around his leadership. The ex-cricketer’s attack isn’t just on Babar’s form; it’s a critique of Pakistan’s decision-making process. Under Babar’s captaincy, Pakistan has experienced moments of brilliance, but also periods of disarray, particularly when it comes to tactical decisions and player management. His calm demeanor, often praised, is now being seen as indifference in the face of mounting pressure.
Some argue that Babar’s captaincy style lacks the aggressive edge of his predecessors, like Imran Khan or even Sarfraz Ahmed, who led with visible passion and often took bold risks. Critics believe that Pakistan’s tendency to back Babar no matter what, may be stifling the team’s growth. This brings us to a painful but critical question: is Babar Azam too comfortable in his role?
Is Babar Azam “Undroppable”?
The idea of Babar Azam being “undroppable” is not without precedent in cricket. Superstar players have always been given extra leeway, especially in cricket-mad nations like Pakistan. The ex-cricketer’s remarks expose a deep-rooted issue in Pakistani cricket: favoritism. For years, Pakistan has had a revolving door of captains and players, but Babar seems to have been granted immunity from this volatile selection process. Is it because of his undeniable talent, or because the board is afraid of the backlash from fans who see Babar as the face of modern Pakistan cricket?
This brings up another issue — the cult of personality. Babar’s marketing appeal and international stature could be reasons why the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reluctant to make any bold decisions regarding his future. Dropping Babar, even temporarily, would send shockwaves throughout the cricketing world and alienate a huge portion of the fanbase that sees him as the torchbearer of Pakistan’s cricketing legacy.
The Way Forward
While the ex-cricketer’s comments have sparked outrage in some quarters, they have also opened up an uncomfortable but necessary debate. Should Pakistan look beyond Babar for leadership? Does he need time off to regain his form, or are his critics simply frustrated with Pakistan’s recent failures? There is no easy answer, but one thing is certain: Pakistan’s future depends on making the right call.
The ex-cricketer’s scathing attack may be a call for the PCB to act before it’s too late. It could be a wake-up call for Babar Azam, who might need to prove that he is not just a world-class batsman but also a captain who can take Pakistan to the next level. If not, Pakistan risks falling into the same trap that has plagued other cricketing nations — allowing a star player to become bigger than the team.
In a sport where the collective matters more than the individual, Pakistan must decide whether Babar Azam is the leader they need or simply the cricketer they cannot afford to drop.
