‘Look at yourself first’ – Azhar Ali tears into Aaqib Javed over Pakistan’s England struggles

Pakistan’s Test tour of England in August and September 2026 has become a crisis point for the cricket board. The team has already lost the first Test at Headingley and the second Test at Lord’s, with the third and final Test scheduled to begin September 9 at Edgbaston in Birmingham.

The defeats have triggered significant changes within the squad, including the sacking of Test head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul following the Lord’s loss. Seven players were asked to return home, and a new set of players were flown in to replace them.

Azhar Ali, the former Pakistan captain who played 97 Tests and scored 19 centuries for the nation, has now weighed in on the tour’s collapse. The 41-year-old was part of a Pakistan side that competed in England in 2016, drawing that series 2-2.

“People used to say you could expect anything from Pakistan. But we don’t even do that inconsistency any more. We’ve become totally consistent – in the most negative way,” Azhar was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times.

Azhar Ali’s criticism of Aaqib Javed’s decision-making

Azhar has directly targeted Aaqib Javed’s tenure as High Performance Director, pointing to a pattern of decisions that have backfired. The former captain believes Javed should accept responsibility for the team’s poor performances and has questioned the judgment behind key personnel moves.

Azhar noted that Javed had appointed both Sarfaraz Ahmed as Test head coach and captain Babar Azam just a few months before the England tour, yet was now distancing himself from their struggles.

“We have had bad decisions like these for three years now. He should take responsibility for the performances. His judgment should be questioned. I listened to his interview this week, and he was trying to put the blame on Sarfaraz Ahmed [Test head coach sacked after the Lord’s defeat] and Babar [Azam],” Azhar noted.

“He appointed them just a few months earlier! “That was enough for me to judge someone. Every decision he makes backfires, and he then says: ‘It’s not me.’ Look at yourself first. And if you cannot control this team, if you cannot make a difference to Pakistan cricket, then step away,” he added.

Ali stressed that the PCB needs to adopt a clear vision and take immediate steps to restore confidence among fans. He warned that continued poor performances could further erode public interest in the sport.

“Cricket in Pakistan needs proper care and a vision that gives hope to a nation on the brink of losing their appetite. If we don’t pull our socks up, we won’t be able to bring people back. You cannot lose hope but the signs are not good,” said Ali.

Azhar Ali backs Babar Azam amid criticism

Azhar also discussed the pressure on Babar Azam, suggesting that the former Pakistan captain is going through an especially difficult period.

“It is probably the worst time to captain Pakistan right now. He has to consider his options, too, I believe. Every player goes through periods of low scores, but as a nation we just kept expecting him to deliver, and criticism followed. It has played on his mind, and he has doubted himself, while lacking any internal support. “I don’t think he is as mentally strong as Misbah or, say, Younis Khan.” Azhar said.

Azhar went on to compare Babar’s mental approach with that of former Pakistan captains Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan.

“Misbah was not as talented as Babar, but he was far tougher. Younis faced criticism but never lost his targets. Everyone is different, though. We have to realise that and create an environment where he can flourish, not be pulled back,” he concluded.