Wasim Akram has launched a blistering critique of Babar Azam, questioning his suitability as Pakistan’s Test captain following a series of bewildering public statements during the national team’s ongoing series against England. The legendary former fast bowler expressed outrage after Babar admitted during a toss ceremony that he was kept completely in the dark regarding major squad alterations, including the sudden decision by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to send seven players home midway through the tour.
The astonishing disclosure unfolded at the toss for the final Test in Birmingham. When asked by reporters about the abrupt departure of seven squad members and significant mid-series changes within the coaching setup, Babar conceded that he had no prior knowledge of the decisions taken by the board administration.
The admission prompted a scathing reaction from Akram, who questioned how a captain could remain so entirely disengaged from critical matters involving his own playing staff and support group. Lambasting the skipper’s apparent lack of authority, the iconic left-arm bowler offered a sharp, sarcastic rebuke.
“Babar should never have been handed the captaincy in the first place; it was completely unnecessary,” Akram remarked during a sports broadcast. “He goes out for the toss in Birmingham, and when asked about seven players being sent back home, he replies that he had no idea about it. So, what were you doing there? Were you just selling chickpeas?”
Akram emphasised that a captain must serve as a firm pillar of support for his squad during turbulent times. A leader who appears oblivious or powerless, he argued, severely undermines team morale and project confidence. In light of another disappointing performance against England, the former captain asserted that Babar ought to have declined the Test leadership role altogether. He suggested that Babar should have stepped down after the second Test to focus purely on his primary discipline as a specialist top-order batsman.
The controversy comes amidst a tumultuous period for Pakistani cricket. Babar was reinstated as Test captain earlier this year to replace Shan Masood following a string of poor performances. However, the decision raised eyebrows at the time, given that Babar himself had been struggling for form and consistency in the red-ball format throughout the previous calendar year. With the PCB continuing to enforce drastic reshuffles mid-series, Akram’s explosive comments underscore the deep-seated management issues and leadership vacuum currently afflicting the national side.
