Former Pakistan pacer Tanveer Ahmed has come to the defense of star batter Babar Azam amid criticism over his recent poor form. Babar struggled in the first Test against Bangladesh, scoring 0 and 22 as Pakistan suffered a 10-wicket defeat. While Babar's last century came in August 2023 against Nepal, he has faced increasing criticism due to Pakistan's lack of success in home matches.
Notably, he scored his last Test century in December 2022, when he notched 161 runs against New Zealand and Karachi and ever since he has always struggled to find his mojo back.
However, Tanveer has defended Babar, blaming the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for making him a scapegoat during Pakistan's winless streak in the World Test Championship (WTC).
Tanveer Ahmed comes to Babar Azam's defence, lambasts PCB
On social media, Tanveer criticiced PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi and others for openly targeting Babar.
"Social media par dekh kar aesa lagta ha jaese pakistan cricket sirf babar azam ney he kharab ki ha board ka tou koi kasoor nahi ha kuch khuda ka khoof karo ager paise kamaney ka shok ha tou kuch babar ki tareef bhi karain na k sirf burai kar kay," Tanveer posted on X.
Babar Azam's dismal show with the bat
Babar Azam's recent form has been a concern. His last notable Test century came in December 2022 against New Zealand in Karachi. Since then, he has struggled to score consistently, averaging 20.64 in his last 14 innings. In the recent Test series against Bangladesh, Babar's scores were 0 and 22. This series marked a historic moment for Bangladesh, as they registered their first-ever Test win over Pakistan. The Bangla Tigers defeated Pakistan by 10 wickets, marking a significant milestone in their cricketing history.
Pakistan will look for redemption after suffering their first ever defeat against Bangladesh in Tests in the series opener. Meanwhile, PCB has announced their 12-member squad for the second Test match against Bangladesh, which will begin on August 30 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Notably, ace speedster Shaheen Shah Afridi has been rested for the series decider. Considering Shaheen was recently blessed with a baby during the first Test, it is likely that this is the primary reason for his exclusion from the upcoming match.
Pakistan XII against Bangladesh
Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel (vc), Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Ali, Salman Ali Agha, Saim Ayub , Babar Azam, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Abdullah Shafique, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shehzad.
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