‘Leave Captaincy’: Shoaib Malik’s Harsh Critique of Babar Azam Post-India Defeat

June 11, 2024 0 777

Shoaib Malik criticized Babar Azam, urging him to step down from captaincy and claiming that Babar could perform better without the added responsibility.

Following Pakistan’s recent defeat to India, former captain Shoaib Malik criticized Babar Azam’s leadership, suggesting he step down as captain. After a shocking defeat to the USA, Pakistan also lost to arch-rivals India, sparking widespread criticism of the captain and team management.

In their match against India, Pakistan delivered an impressive bowling performance, dismissing India for just 119 runs in 19 overs. However, despite being in a strong position during the chase, Pakistan experienced a dramatic collapse, ending at 113/7.

Shoaib Malik has been particularly critical, suggesting that Babar could excel without the burden of captaincy. Malik also questioned the strategic decisions made during the match and the continued reliance on the current core team in the T20I format, hinting that changes are essential for future success.

“I have been saying for a long time, please leave captaincy. You (Babar) are a class player, and you will only be able to show your class when you do not have additional responsibilities on you. If Babar stays away from captaincy, it will be good for him,” Shoaib Malik said on Ten Sports.

“People keep talking about Babar and Rizwan’s strike rates, so you brought in Saim Ayub. Yesterday, it was a 120 chase, why were you trying to improve your strike rate? The platform was set in every manner. If as a leader and a batter, your brain doesn’t kick in, in these sorts of situations, when will it? I am forced to say today that the core of this team, in the T20I format, I think we have to stop backing them,” he added.

Malik then criticized Rizwan’s batting approach during the chase against India, questioning his shot selection. Malik suggested that Rizwan, with his experience and PSL captaincy, should have better understood the situation and taken charge to secure the match.

Indian pacers, led by Jasprit Bumrah (3/14) and Hardik Pandya (2/24), scripted India’s narrow win. India’s next match is against the USA on Wednesday, June 12, while Pakistan faces Canada on Tuesday, June 11.