Last Update on: November 14th, 2023 at 01:50 pm
Former Pakistan cricketer Azhar Ali has come out in support of Babar Azam‘s captaincy amid criticism over the team’s disappointing ICC World Cup 2023 campaign. Azhar Ali highlighted that Babar Azam should continue as the captain of the Pakistan cricket team.
Pakistan’s World Cup campaign concluded with a 93-run defeat to England, preventing them from reaching the top four and advancing to the semifinal stage. Babar’s failures with the bat have raised concerns about his leadership role, putting his position in jeopardy.
The Men in Green started with back-to-back victories against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka. However, they suffered four consecutive losses, including one against Afghanistan. They ended up winning only four of their nine games and finishing fifth on the points table.
Every Captain Was Given Time To Prove Himself – Azhar Ali
Speaking to a local news channel, Azhar Ali suggested that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) should continue with Babar Azam, urging them to engage in discussions about his mindset. He emphasized the importance of giving Babar the opportunity to prove himself.
“Babar Azam should remain captain of Pakistan. The PCB has already invested three years in him, they should sit down with him and ask him to work on his mindset/strategy. Every great captain was given time to prove himself and we should do the same,” said Azhar Ali, as quoted by a user on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Babar Azam faced challenges under the burden of captaincy pressure, scoring 320 runs at an average of 40 during the World Cup without securing any centuries. The right-handed batter failed to guide the team in crucial encounters in the marquee tournament in India.
Babar Azam Will No Longer Continue As The Captain – Basit Ali
However, former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has revealed that Babar Azam will step down as the captain of the Pakistan cricket team, emphasizing that the change in PCB leadership will not impact this decision.
“It has been decided that Babar Azam will no longer continue as the captain. I am openly saying today, Babar (will) step down. Whoever becomes the PCB chairman will not matter. Babar is not the captain anymore,” Basit said, as quoted.
