Pakistan captain Babar Azam has once again come under intense scrutiny following his underwhelming performance in the Super Eight stage of the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup against England. His batting struggles and leadership approach have sparked a heated debate across the cricketing community, threatening Pakistan’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals.
Adding fuel to the fire, Babar’s cousin and former national player Umar Akmal recently took a subtle swipe at him on social media. Umar shared a video of his own 94-run innings against Australia in the 2014 T20 World Cup, in which he rescued Pakistan from 25 for 2, scoring 94 off 54 balls to help the team post 191 and earn the player-of-the-match award. Analysts suggest the post was intended as an indirect commentary on Babar’s current struggles.
In the Super Eight clash against England, Pakistan batted first and posted 164 runs. Babar, however, managed only 25 runs from 24 deliveries. His slow strike rate and inability to accelerate when needed came under sharp criticism as England chased down the total comfortably with eight wickets in hand, securing their semi-final berth.
Prominent former cricketers have not held back their opinions. Key reactions include:
| Former Cricketer | Comment |
|---|---|
| Imad Wasim | “How many more matches will slip away? As a senior player, his responsibility is greater.” |
| Mohammad Amir | “Babar’s form and leadership in the team are not up to the mark.” |
| Ahmed Shehzad | “Such form at this crucial stage of the T20 World Cup is disappointing.” |
Experts note that consecutive failures are increasing pressure on Babar’s captaincy. The team is relying heavily on the form of its experienced batsman, and any dip at such a pivotal tournament stage adds significant stress to Pakistan’s camp.
The combination of Umar Akmal’s pointed social media post and the candid remarks from former cricketers reflects a growing expectation among fans for fresh strategies and dynamic leadership. While Babar remains one of Pakistan’s premier batsmen, his recent performances pose strategic and psychological challenges for the team.
As debates intensify on professional platforms and social media, Pakistan faces not just the challenge of advancing to the semi-finals but also the urgent need to address team morale, tactical planning, and leadership effectiveness. Babar’s form, coupled with mounting external pressure, underscores the critical crossroads at which Pakistan’s cricket team currently stands.