‘He cannot win a game’ – Shoaib Akhtar slams Babar Azam despite superstar status

Shoaib Akhtar (Source: BCB)

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has criticised Babar Azam, saying the star batter has often been labelled a superstar despite not consistently winning matches for Pakistan. Babar went through a prolonged lean patch that significantly affected the team’s performances, especially as he was regarded as the backbone of the batting line-up.

Although the 31-year-old has recently shown signs of rediscovering his form, Akhtar believes he still needs to deliver match-winning performances on a regular basis. According to the former pacer, Pakistan’s leading batter must take greater responsibility and guide the team across the finish line in crucial encounters more consistently.

“You have made a superstar out of a player who cannot win you a game,” Akhtar said on Indian news channel ABP as quoted by NDTV.

Babar recently represented Pakistan in a two-Test series against Bangladesh, where he scored 115 runs, including a highest score of 68, at an average of 57.50. He then featured in the ODI series against Australia, accumulating 125 runs in three matches with a top score of 69 and an average of 41.66.

The Pakistan captain will next lead the side in a two-Test series against the West Indies, scheduled to be played in Trinidad and Tobago from July 25 to August 6. After completing the Caribbean tour, Pakistan will take on England in a three-Test series from August 19 to September 13, with Babar expected to play a crucial role as both captain and the team’s premier batter.

Pakistan Squad for West Indies Test Series:

Babar Azam (captain), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Awais Zafar, Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah

Pakistan Squad for England Test series:

Babar Azam (captain), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Fazal, Ali Usman, Azan Awais, Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Awais Zafar, Ghazi Ghori (wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel (subject to fitness), Shan Masood and Ubaid Shah

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