Former Pakistani opening batsman Ahmad Shahzad has launched a scathing attack on Babar Azam following his reappointment as the national Test captain, claiming the move was driven by personal ambition rather than the country’s cricketing interests.
Speaking on a Geo Super sports program, Shahzad questioned the wisdom behind the selection board’s decision to bring back a leader who had previously struggled to deliver successful results. “Babar Azam has been reinstated as captain despite a string of unconvincing tenures in the past. If his leadership didn’t yield success before, what makes the management think it will now?” Shahzad asked.
The outspoken opener also highlighted Babar’s alarming dip in form, pointing out that the premier batsman has managed only around 550 runs in his last 30 to 32 innings. Shahzad expressed disbelief that leadership responsibilities were handed back to Babar at a time when his batting form is already under severe scrutiny.
“For a long time, critics argued that captaincy pressures were destroying Babar’s batting. Yet, he readily accepted the role again, which proves he was desperate to get it back,” Shahzad stated. He further claimed that Babar is lured by the fame, authority, and luxurious perks that come with the job. “The captaincy brings exclusive privileges, separate accommodations, unparalleled power, and lucrative allowances. That is what Babar is attached to,” he added.
Shahzad concluded by dismissing the narrative that Babar stepped up solely for the sake of Pakistan cricket. He argued that if the star batsman truly felt that leadership was harming his personal performance, he should have stepped aside to let a youngster lead, rather than reclaiming the throne.
