(PCB Credit)
Former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Asif has backed Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan’s white-ball team, amidst ongoing scrutiny over his leadership and criticism of his recent batting form. Babar has been experiencing a lean period, struggling to regain his batting rhythm and confidence, which has raised concerns about his performance.
Despite Babar’s prolonged batting slump and mixed results as captain during the T20 World Cup 2024, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has not yet clarified whether he will retain the captaincy.
Babar Azam should focus on leading with his bat, not getting involved in captaincy politics.
Amidst discussions surrounding Babar’s future as captain and his batting form, Asif emphasized that Babar Azam remains the backbone of the Pakistan Cricket Team. Asif stressed that the team heavily relies on Babar’s batting contributions for posting competitive scores.
Regarding Babar’s current role, Asif highlighted him as the premier batsman in the Pakistan lineup. Expressing bewilderment over Babar’s pursuit of the captaincy, Asif pointed out that Babar already commands leadership within the team, around whom players naturally rally.
Asif suggested that Babar could benefit from relinquishing the captaincy to concentrate on his batting prowess, asserting his ability to thrive in any international batting order. Addressing concerns about Babar’s reluctance to alter his batting position, Asif underscored the need for senior players like Babar to mentor younger teammates for enhancing team performance and extending his own career.
Furthermore, Asif dismissed concerns about political distractions affecting Babar’s international career, emphasizing his resilience and commitment to the team’s success.
Babar Azam should quit captaincy, focus on batting: Mohammad Asif
Mohammad Asif shared his thoughts with Aftab Iqbal on his YouTube channel, emphasizing Babar Azam’s singular status as a world-class batsman for Pakistan. Asif highlighted Babar’s pivotal role in steering the team towards strong finishes in matches.
Reflecting on leadership dynamics within the team, Asif questioned Babar’s pursuit of the captaincy, asserting that Babar’s influence transcends any formal title. Asif expressed puzzlement over Babar’s motivations, suggesting that Babar’s natural leadership already commands the team’s respect and cohesion.
Regarding concerns about Babar’s batting position, Asif dismissed any notion of Babar fearing a loss of status once he steps away from the captaincy role, emphasizing Babar’s enduring impact and ability regardless of his position in the batting order.
The former willy Pakistan pacer said, “Babar is the backbone of the team. He can bat in any position, and he will manage it. He will practice it. Even if he plays outside the circle, if he is not a captain, he can play. I don’t understand why he is being dragged into politics. I don’t know. I don’t understand.
When he is reading all these things, he should not do this. I am saying that he is above the captain. He will have to take along the young players around him if he wants to improve the performance of the team and if he wants to play for a long time. I don’t think he will lose his career in such politics.”
