Mahmood argued that critics and social media experts target Babar without a real reason.
Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood has called out unfair attacks on Babar Azam. He hailed Babar as the "only superstar" in Pakistan cricket at present and slammed former players and cricket pundits for treating the batter with disrespect.
Mahmood argued that critics and social media experts target Babar without a real reason. He also claimed that constant online trolling and being dropped from the team hurt the Pakistan Test captain’s mental health both on and off the field.
Mahmood, who worked closely with Babar during his stint with the Pakistan coaching staff, urged people to value the latter’s immense talent instead of constantly trying to pull him down.
“He (Babar Azam) is very shy and has been through a lot. I spent a lot of time with him – around five months – when he was out of the team after the England series. He was really down because of the way he was being treated in Pakistan by former players and social media pundits," Mahmood said on Sky Sports.
“We (Pakistan) have only one superstar, and we are constantly pulling him down," he added.
Mahmood acknowledged that Babar still has parts of his game to fix, but believes the batter struggles when he doesn’t get the respect he deserves.
“Yes, he has certain things to improve, but everyone does. I think he has matured now. When he is captain, he feels that he has more power and confidence, and he knows that he has to lead from the front. So, when he is captain, you can see those qualities coming out in him," Mahmood remarked.
“If he is not the captain and nobody gives him the respect he deserves, sometimes he goes into his shell."
Meanwhile, Babar Azam’s participation in the first Test against England, starting August 19 in Headingley, remains doubtful as he recovers from a finger injury.
The Pakistan Test skipper copped a blow to his right hand while batting in the recent second Test against the West Indies. He was struck again on the same hand during Pakistan's warm-up fixture against the Professional County Club Select XI in Beckenham last week.