Reappointing Babar Azam as skipper was worst decision by PCB: Ahmed Shehzad

Babar Azam. (Source – Getty Images)

The Pakistan cricket team’s dismal performance in the T20 World Cup 2024 has sparked criticism from various quarters, with veteran cricketer Ahmed Shehzad slamming the decision to reappoint Babar Azam as the captain. Pakistan, placed in Group A, lost their first two matches against the USA and India before securing a seven-wicket win over Canada, shattering their hopes of progressing to the Super 8 stage.

After the Men in Green’s disappointing campaign in the ODI World Cup last year, Babar had stepped down as the captain across all formats. However, earlier this year, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reinstated him as the white-ball captain, replacing Shaheen Shah Afridi. The move has drawn immense criticism from Shehzad, who labeled it as the “worst decision” by PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi.

“Making Babar Azam [the captain again] was the worst decision by the PCB chairman because he was a tried and tested captain. Wahab Riaz has handled things very unprofessionally,” Shehzad told Geo News.

Also read: Babar Azam likely to continue as captain after Pakistan’s lacklustre outing in T20 World Cup 2024

There are groupings in the team and lack of leadership: Ahmed Shehzad

The former openers’ criticism is beyond just the captaincy decision. He accused Babar, Mohammad Rizwan, Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, and Haris Rauf of being given more opportunities than they deserve. He also pointed out the lack of leadership within the team and the presence of groupings, which he believes have contributed to Pakistan’s downfall.

“If you look into their cricket for the last four years, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi and Fakhar Zaman have been constants. Haris Rauf is also there. They have got more time than what a lot should get. And there are groupings in the team and lack of leadership is visible,” Shehzad added.

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Shehzad also criticized Babar and Rizwan for prioritising personal milestones over improving Pakistan’s net run rate during their match against Canada. He accused them of playing for individual records rather than focusing on the team’s needs, which he believes has harmed the nation’s cricket.

“They say that we are learning from our mistakes; what are you learning? Against Canada, you had to improve your net run rate and Rizwan scored the slowest fifty. Babar Azam scored 33 at a run-a-ball. There were no demons on the pitch. Personal milestones have destroyed our cricket and the condition of our cricket is because of them. You don’t have leadership, the only thing you have is social media generate king. You have won nothing in the last five years; you don’t have fitness; you are playing politics; your cricket is on the decline. You have only stuck to friendships,” Shehzad concluded.

Pakistan will prepare for their final group match against Ireland on Sunday, June 16. The team finds itself in a tricky position, currently placed third in the table with two points and a net run rate of +0.191. With USA and India already qualified for the next stage, the Pakistan team needs to play for their pride.