Pakistan suffered a shocking first-round exit from the ongoing T20 World Cup, taking place in the United States and West Indies.
The Men in Green paid the price for a Super Over defeat against USA in their campaign opener, followed by a nervy six-run defeat at the hands of arch-rivals India.
This dismal show led to a scathing criticism of the 2009 champions, especially skipper Babar Azam as he failed to make a mark in another multi-nation tournament.
Meanwhile, former speedster Shoaib Akhtar has slammed the Pakistan team management for Babar’s reappointment as captain just before the marquee event.
“Who made Babar Azam captain in the 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 questioned while speaking on PTV Sports.
After Pakistan failed to qualify for the semi-final during last year’s ODI World Cup in India, Babar Azam stepped down as skipper from all formats and the T20I captaincy was handed to Shaheen Afridi.
Under Shaheen, Pakistan suffered a 4-1 defeat in a T20I series on the tour of New Zealand and Babar was reinstated in the role.
Known for his candid opinions, Shoaib Akhtar said Babar isn’t a ‘captain material while also adding that the latter should bat at No. 4 and play the role of a finisher.
“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 in T20s. I am telling you right now. He will not be able to keep his place in ODIs because he has to finish the games. The ‘finisher’ Babar Azam needs to come out,” Akhtar remarked.
“That’s where his character comes out. That’s where the character of Babar Azam is gonna come out. In times to come, that kind of pressure, he needs to take. I am bluntly saying that to Babar, Babar you are going to remain a superstar but start and get to know how to finish the games,” he added.
In three innings at the T20 World Cup 2024, Babar Azam registered scores of 44 (43 balls), 13 (10 balls), 33 (33 balls) and 32* (34 balls) against USA, India, Canada and Ireland respectively.
