Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif believes current skipper Babar Azam has some “mental issues” to overcome. Latif believes the manner of Babar Azam’s removal as Test captain could be the reason why his form has suffered in recent times:
“(There seem to be more mental issues). We need to remember that he was removed forcefully as captain,” Latif said.
Azam was stripped of his Test captaincy and only recently returned to the role in T20Is after turbulent performances. The cricketer has been under constant fire since 2023 and usually gets flak for the team’s terrible outings across formats. Latif has now come out to say Azam’s mind may not be “functioning properly” after enduring a challenging season in the national team:
“When the mind is not functioning correctly, it affects the nerves as well. You try to play hard on every ball,” Latif added.
Azam can no longer be separated from the Men in Green’s subpar performances in recent competitions. Former Pakistan skippers and veteran cricketers now feel Azam’s leadership may not yield expected results.
Why is Babar Azam Under Fire for Pakistan’s Poor Performances?
String of bad results
Pakistan’s recent run of results has been shocking by several standards. The Men in Green have crashed out of at least 3 major competitions in two years without securing a top four position. Talks of a potential ICC trophy next year (at the World Test Championship) also seem over after their home Test loss to Bangladesh.
Fans, commentators, and analysts usually target Azam due to these poor performances.
Terrible Test form
Pakistan has never been whitewashed in Tests vs Bangladesh until 2024. Bangladesh handed their host Pakistan a 2-nil hammering in their just-concluded Test meeting. Pakistan’s search for a trophy in Test cricket will have to wait for another season after their recent losses to lowly opposition.
Poor ICC rankings
The Men in Green used to be highly-rated among cricket nations, particularly within the late 1990s and 2010s. However, the high ratings of Pakistan’s cricket team across formats seems like a distant memory. They now sit 12th in overall rankings.
Former Pakistan Cricketers Target Azam for Criticism Over Pakistan’s Poor Performances
“Unqualified” Azam – Shoaib Akhtar
Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar was direct while criticizing Babar Azam, claiming that the current skipper is “not a captain material”. Akhtar also targeted Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) officials, blaming the governing body for Pakistan’s current woes:
“Who made Babar Azam captain at first place? Who was the Einstein by the way? I need to know that guy. Did he actually qualify for the job or not? Did he even know a thing or two about captaincy?”
Akhtar adds that Azam and his charges must start winning games if he hopes to keep his place within Pakistan’s senior team:
“I have been saying that Babar is not a captain material. What is going to happen to Babar now? He is going to come down at No.4. He has to finish the games. He has to win the games. If he doesn’t, he will not be able to keep his place. I am telling you right now,” Akhtar concluded.
“Pakistan cricket in ICU” – Rashid Latif
Latif believes Pakistan cricket needs a clinical overhaul on and off the field for their fortunes to change across formats:
“Pakistan cricket is currently in the ICU. They will need a professional doctor. They need technically sound professionals to run things, both physically and financially. Trainers and many other things are required.”
“Stubborn” Azam – Mohammad Wasim
Former Pakistan batter and selector Wasim said Azam is a “stubborn” individual and usually responds poorly to squad changes:
“It was a pain to make him accept changes. He was very stubborn and sometimes, I had to overstep my boundaries just to get him on board with certain decisions,” Wasim said.
Why are Ex-Cricketers Voicing Their Concerns Over Pakistan’s Form Now?
Pakistan cricket is at a challenging era and must resolve their issues before the international calendar kicks off. Former Pakistan cricketers are currently voicing concerns over the team’s shabby performances to avoid another embarrassing defeat.
The Men in Green will host England in a Test series next. Pakistan must overcome their demons soon to avoid a repeat of the 3-nil drubbing England handed them in 2022.
England will be touring Pakistan from October 7, 2024, but it is evident that it won’t make a difference in results. The Pakistan team must turn things around before the next series or expect to suffer another humiliating home defeat. Fans will gather in Multan throughout this series and hope to see something better from Azam and co. vs England.
