‘Stop making fun of yourself…’ – Wasim Akram on Babar Azam’s future as Pakistan captain

The recent poor performance of Pakistan has piled pressure on skipper Babar Azam, who has come under heavy fire from the media, some former players, and fans. Last year, the talented batter guided Pakistan to the Asia Cup final, where they were shocked by Sri Lanka. Following that, they qualified for the 20-20 World Cup 2022 final, which they lost against England.

Following the last year’s 20-20 World Cup, Pakistan lost 3-0 to England in a three-match Test series before drawing two Tests with New Zealand. They also suffered a 2-1 defeat to the Kiwis in a three-match ODI series after the Test series.

Despite Babar’s individual hitting form, Pakistan as a team has been unable to match it. With 2598 runs in 52 innings, including a high score of 196, he concluded the year as the top run-scorer in international cricket. He also slammed eight centuries and 17 half-centuries.

Everyone is afraid that the contract will also end if the board changes: Wasim Akram

While speaking to Cricket Pakistan, Wasim Akram, a legend of the game and former captain of Pakistan advised everyone to give him two to three years and referred to him as “the best captain” in his remarks.

“Babar Azam’s captaincy is under criticism these days; in this difficult time, a strong hand of support came on his shoulder. We don’t need any enemy; we are self-sufficient; stop making fun of yourself; if you have Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, or Mike Brierley sitting next to you, then you will understand Babar Azam has a 2-3 years chance. He will prove to be the best captain”, stated Akram.

“If you had asked me, I would have told you that foreign coaches will not come; everyone is afraid that the contract will also end if the board changes. If you are not getting a foreign coach, get the services of a Pakistan, the reason for the decline in the performance graph of fast bowlers is T20 cricket,” the former seamer added.

Shaheen Shah Afridi, a prominent bowler, received special recognition from Akram, who noted his leadership qualities. “Shaheen Afridi has leadership skills, but there is no need to hurry, he made Lahore Qalandars PSL champions, but now he is the national team”, asserted the Pakistan legend.