Wasim Akram Calls Babar Captaincy Mistake
Wasim Akram Calls Babar Captaincy Mistake
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Key Points
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Akram said he did not want to blame Babar and acknowledged he could be wrong, but called the decision to accept the captaincy “unnecessary.”
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The Pakistan Cricket Board’s mid-series overhaul included not only sending seven players home but also dismissing Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul after the Lord’s defeat.
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Babar was appointed Test captain on July 5, replacing Shan Masood, after previously leading Pakistan in Tests from 2020 to 2023; during that earlier stint, he oversaw 20 matches, recording 10 wins, six defeats and four draws.
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Before the 3-0 loss in England, Babar’s returning leadership had produced a 1-1 draw in Pakistan’s two-Test series in the West Indies.
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Akram made his comments at a Manchester charity fundraising event alongside former Pakistan fast bowler Waqar Younis.
Wasim Akram criticized Babar Azam's decision to resume Pakistan's Test captaincy, calling it an "unnecessary" move after the team's 3-0 series defeat to England CricTracker. Akram said Babar should have continued as a player only, not as captain, and questioned how a leader could be unaware that seven players were sent home and coaching staff were changed before the third Test Daily Hunt.
The Pakistan Cricket Board overhauled its team mid-series, firing Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul after the Lord's loss CricTracker. Akram argued that a captain who doesn't support his players can't expect them to perform their best, even though he acknowledged he could be wrong about Babar Daily Hunt.
Babar Returns to Captaincy After Earlier Stint Ended
Babar was appointed Test captain on July 5, replacing Shan Masood, after previously leading Pakistan in Tests from 2020 to 2023 Daily Hunt. In that earlier period, he led 20 matches with 10 wins, six defeats, and four draws. Before the England loss, his returning captaincy had produced a 1-1 draw in Pakistan's two-Test series in the West Indies CricTracker.
Akram Questions Captain's Awareness of Team Changes
Akram made his criticism at a Manchester charity fundraising event alongside former Pakistan fast bowler Waqar Younis CricTracker. He focused on Babar's statement that he was unaware seven players had been removed and coaches dismissed before the Birmingham Test. This lack of awareness troubled Akram, who felt a captain should know such major decisions Daily Hunt.
Waqar Also Criticizes Babar's Captaincy Role
Waqar Younis, Pakistan's former coach, believes the country is losing Babar as a player by keeping him as captain Daily Hunt. Waqar stated that Babar struggles to handle the pressure of captaincy, suggesting Pakistan would benefit more from having him bat without the burden of leading the team Daily Hunt. Both former stars worry the dual role is hurting Pakistan's cricket.
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