Home
Babar Azam's father Azam Siddique has lashed out at his son's critics following star batter's batting struggles, which was also evident in the Champions Trophy 2025. Babar Azam's constant criticism, prompting his father, Azam Siddique, to defend his son against what he perceived as excessive scrutiny. Babar's performance in the Champions Trophy was dismal as he could only score 87 runs across three games at an average of 43.50 and a strike rate of 75 which led to a wave of negative reactions from fans and cricket pundits, including former Pakistani players. Babar's flop show also contributed to Pakistan's early elimination from Champions Trophy.
Babar Azam's constant criticism
Specifically, Babar faced backlash for his 81-ball fifty against New Zealand, where his inability to accelerate the scoring rate during Pakistan's pursuit of a 321-run target was heavily criticised. Despite showing glimpses of his potential, such as his innings against India in Dubai where he struck five boundaries before being dismissed by Hardik Pandya, his overall performance was deemed inadequate by many. This prompted his father to speak out against what he felt was unfair and overly harsh criticism.
The criticism leveled against Babar Azam following his Champions Trophy 2025 performance reached a fever pitch with former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar's particularly harsh assessment. Akhtar labeled Babar a 'fraud'. In response to this and other criticisms, Babar Azam's father, Azam Siddique came out with a long social media post to clap back at the critics where he also took an aim at the former Pakistani cricketers.
Following Champions Trophy disaster, Babar was dropped from Pakistan's T20I and ODI squads for the upcoming series against New Zealand.
Babar Azam's father blasts critics for targeting his son
However, Babar's father is confident of his son's comeback. He said that Babar will be back in the squad with a bang by delivering strong performances for Peshawar Zalmi in the upcoming Pakistan Super League (PSL).
“Boss is always right. Despite being a member and receiving the cap for the ICC T20 Team of the Year, he got droppedno worries. He will perform in the National T20 and PSL, Inshallah, and will soon be back in the team,” Babar’s father wrote in a post on Instagram.
“But I request the respected former players, who are big names, to choose their words carefully. If someone responds, they might not be able to handle it. You are the past, and your doors will never open again,” he added.
“Some people say the father speaks too much, but I am his first and last coach, spokesperson, mentor, and the most well-wisher and father in the world. So those who are not worthy or capable, should have patience. I request the lovers of cricket to stop the shouting and uproar. Before listening to their words, please check their own performance during their time on the PCB website. This should be enough for the wise. Long live Pakistan!" Babar's father concluded.
ALSO READ: What will happen if India vs New Zealand's Champions Trophy final gets washed out?
Meanwhile, Pakistan's interim head coach and national selector, Aaqib Javed explained the rationale behind the decision to exclude Babar Azam from Pakistan's squad for the T20I series against New Zealand.
"If you look at other teams, most of them have 70 per cent separate T20 squads, and we are also working on that before the Asia Cup and World T20 Cup. We need our players to play fearless cricket,” Javed told the media in Lahore.
Pakistan T20I squad for New Zealand series
Salman Ali Agha (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Haris, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousaf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim and Usman Khan.
Pakistan ODI squad for New Zealand series
Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Akif Javed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Imam-ul-Haq, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Ali, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Sufyan Moqim and Tayyab Tahir.
