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Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has strongly criticized Babar Azam for his performances in ICC events, particularly in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Shehzad labeled Azam as a “fake king” due to his subpar stats and lackluster displays in crucial matches.
Shehzad highlighted Azam’s strike rate of 112 and an average of 26 in ICC tournaments, pointing out his failure to make significant contributions during important phases such as powerplays. Despite facing 207 deliveries as a top-order batsman, Azam hasn’t managed to hit a single six.
Known for his outspoken nature, Shehzad admitted that his own stats need improvement but argued that Babar’s performance falls even below his standards. Shehzad’s remarks raise questions about Babar Azam’s reputation as a top-tier player given his underwhelming performances in ICC events.
Ahmed Shehzad has strongly criticized Babar Azam, branding him as a “Fake King” due to his performance in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024.
Ahmed Shehzad said on Geo News show: “The stats that you are talking about, your stats say that your strike rate is 112, your average is 26 in ICC events, after that in powerplay, you have played 207 balls, you have not hit a single hit as a top order batsman, after that I feel that my 8 years old stats, I need a lot of improvement in this, I could have done it better, I agree, but your stats are even lower than mine, your stats are even lower than mine, but you are a king, you are a fake king.”
Shehzad, reflecting on his own career from eight years ago, shed light on the challenges faced during that period, marked by limited financial support and unstable team selections.
He emphasized the significant transformation in cricket, particularly in terms of financial rewards, comparing the modest earnings during his time to the substantial rewards enjoyed by modern-day players like Babar Azam. Shehzad criticized Azam for not capitalizing on these advantages and failing to meet expectations as Pakistan’s captain.
Furthermore, Shehzad accused Azam of lacking the necessary leadership qualities to lead Pakistan to victories, despite being provided with ample support and resources over a five-year period without securing any major trophies. He also criticized Azam for allegedly favoring his friends over deserving talents, thereby undermining the domestic cricket structure.
Ahmed Shehzad has proposed that Babar Azam should consider returning to domestic cricket. Additionally, Shehzad criticized Babar for what he perceives as mishandling Saim Ayub, suggesting that Babar’s captaincy has negatively impacted the young player’s career. Shehzad once again scrutinized Azam’s performances in ICC events and the Asia Cup, highlighting that his statistics are widely recognized internationally.
Expressing disappointment, Shehzad remarked that despite receiving extensive support and having the players he requested, Azam has not been able to bring success to Pakistan. Shehzad now urges Azam to take accountability for his performance and recommends that he engage in domestic cricket to enhance his skills.
Shehzad also said, “You can do one that you raise your hand and say that I had all the support. I was given everything by PCB. I couldn’t deliver even if I got the players I wanted. But I couldn’t deliver Pakistan. I am really, really sorry. I am responsible. When our stats came down, we went to play domestic cricket. We tried to improve our stats. Now it’s your turn. Now you will come. We know that you are coming. Now you will go and play domestic cricket. You will improve your stats. And you will come back to Pakistan.”
