(Credit BCCI)
Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik criticized current captain Babar Azam’s cricketing abilities.
In the previous T20 World Cup edition in 2022, Pakistan reached the final, while this time, arch-rivals India made it to the championship match of the 20-team event. Although Babar Azam’s Pakistan team fell short against England in the final, Rohit Sharma’s Indian side emerged victorious over South Africa in the latest finale.
In what marked South Africa’s first appearance in a World Cup final, India seemed out of contention for much of the second innings, with the equation reduced to run-a-ball by the 15th over. However, all-round efforts from Hardik Pandya, and pace bowlers Jasprit Bumrah and Arshdeep Singh, turned the tide in India’s favor. Pandya’s breakthrough against Heinrich Klaasen was crucial, followed by Singh removing Quinton de Kock and Bumrah dismissing Marco Jansen. Pandya also crucially dismissed the dangerous David Miller, who was in good form.
India thus became the third team and the first from Asia to win the ICC T20 World Cup twice. Pakistan and Sri Lanka have won it once each, but their recent performances suggest another win is distant.
Pakistan, winners in 2009 and runners-up last time, failed to advance past the group stage this year, losing to USA and India in Group A. Criticism has focused on Babar Azam’s captaincy.
Changes are expected in the Pakistani team for the future, potentially during Gary Kirsten’s coaching tenure. The retention of Babar Azam as captain will be particularly interesting to watch.
In his conversation with Ten Sports, Shoaib Malik compared Babar Azam to players globally and questioned if Azam would fit well into T20 teams around the world. Drawing a contrast with Virat Kohli, who is often seen as a player suitable for teams like Australia and England due to his skills, Malik expressed his belief that Babar Azam, Pakistan’s top cricketer, wouldn’t find a place in such teams.
“Who is our best player? Our best player is Babar Azam. I’m only talking about the top 4-5 teams in the world. If Babar Azam is to put into the Australian, England or Indian T20I team, is he a good fit? No,” Shoaib Malik said
