Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has criticised Babar Azam, saying the top batsman is often called a superstar even though Pakistan doesn’t win many games. Babar’s prolonged slump had a significant effect on the team’s performance because he was regarded as the cornerstone of the batting lineup.
Although the 31-year-old has recently shown signs of recovering his form, Shoaib Akhtar believes he still needs to regularly deliver game-winning performances.
According to NDTV, Shoaib Akhtar stated on the Indian news station ABP, “You have made a superstar out of a player who cannot win you a game.”
The former bowler feels that in crucial games, Pakistan’s best batsman should take on more responsibility and guide the team to victory more often.
Babar recently played for Pakistan in a two-Test series against Bangladesh, scoring 115 runs at an average of 57.50. 68 was his highest score. Following that, he participated in the ODI series against Australia, scoring 125 runs in three games at a top score of 69 and an average of 41.66.
The captain of Pakistan will lead the two-Test series between Pakistan and the West Indies, which will be held in Trinidad and Tobago from July 25 to August 6. Pakistan will play England in a three-Test series from August 19 to September 13 after the Caribbean tour. As the team’s captain and top batter, Babar is expected to play a significant role.
Pakistan’s team for the West Indies Test Series:
Captains Babar Azam, Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Awais Zafar, Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood, and Ubaid Shah
Pakistan’s England Test team:
Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Awais Zafar, Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel (depending on fitness), Shan Masood, and Ubaid Shah
