(Source X)
Salman Butt has strongly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for mishandling Babar Azam’s captaincy, citing the PCB’s decision to involve individuals who publicly criticized Azam on live television. Specifically, Butt pointed to Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim as the individuals in question.
Following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where they exited in the group stage, Azam has faced intensified scrutiny. Critics, including experts, have expressed frustration over Azam’s batting strike rates in T20 cricket and have called for him to step down as captain to focus more on his batting.
Salman Butt slams PCB for damaging Babar Azam’s captaincy.
In a candid discussion with Cricket Pakistan, Salman Butt lambasted the PCB for exacerbating turmoil around Babar Azam. Butt alleged that despite being aware of Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim’s public criticism of Azam on live television, the PCB still included them in the squad, creating a contentious environment.
“Yes, Babar (Azam) is not a good captain, but what have you contributed to make it easier for him? You brought in two guys who humiliated him on TV. Then you changed the captain and brought him back after two series. You are creating corners within the team yourself.”
Both Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim made their return to international cricket specifically for the T20 World Cup 2024, despite having retired previously. Pakistan’s inability to reach the semi-finals in consecutive ICC tournaments has sparked widespread criticism from former cricketers within Pakistan and around the globe.
Mohammad Amir showcased impressive form during the tournament, claiming 7 wickets in 4 matches at an average of 10.28 and an economy rate of 4.50. However, his highly-debated 18-run Super Over against USA proved costly for Pakistan, impacting their campaign significantly.
In contrast, Imad Wasim had a disappointing tournament with the bat, managing only 19 runs from 3 innings at an average of 9.50 and a strike rate of 65.51. His knock of 15 runs off 23 balls against India drew severe criticism, as it hindered Pakistan’s chances of a straightforward victory over their arch-rivals. With the ball, Wasim took 3 wickets at an average of 14.66 and an economy rate of 4.00, contributing inconsistently to the team’s efforts.
“There needed to be proper man management in the team” – Salman Butt
Salman Butt continued his critique by accusing the board of sabotaging Babar Azam’s captaincy, highlighting that officials failed to provide him with adequate preparation.
“There needed to be proper man management in the team. You are having him managed by those who couldn’t manage themselves their whole life. You have wronged Babar; yes, he is not a good captain, but you didn’t give him ideal preparation either,” said Butt.
Babar Azam stepped down from Pakistan’s captaincy following the ODI World Cup in 2023. However, just a few months before the T20 World Cup 2024, he was reinstated as captain following the appointment of Mohsin Naqvi as the new chairman.
