Shoaib Akhtar wants Babar Azam to become a brand in Pakistan cricket.
It has been known that Pakistan captain Babar Azam is not happy with the teams announced to play in South Africa and Zimbabwe from next month. Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has warned Babar against leading a team he is not happy with, thus emulating his predecessor Sarfaraz Ahmed.
According to reports, Babar had approached Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and chief selector Mohammad Wasim, but he was ignored.
Shoaib Akhtar told PTV Sports, "We are hearing that Babar Azam is calling [Pakistan Cricket Board] and saying that his suggestions have been ignored regarding squad selection. If Babar Azam is so hurt and wants to become a brand, then he should resign right now and send a message that this can’t happen again. If he doesn’t do this, then he will become Sarfaraz part two."
According to former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Wasim had earlier said that Babar Azam would be given full authority and he will have the main role in team selection. Now the same Wasim is ignoring the superstar batsman.
Inzamam said on his YouTube channel, "The important thing is that team is selected with consultation and I have already said many times that the most important person is the captain. Chief selector and coach are not the most important people because they can’t go inside the ground and the captain who has to make the team fight inside he should have the confidence."
"Babar Azam is not impressed with the team selection and Mohammad Wasim is saying it’s not your concern. How can Mohammad Wasim say such a thing to Babar Azam? This is surprising."
"Now, where are those statements of Mohammad Wasim and the policies of the board saying that the captain will have the full authority and will have the main role in the selection?" he added.