An India vs Pakistan cricket match in ICC events holds a unique significance due to the immense excitement and impact it generates, not only among fans but also for the two teams. Often, this match sets the tone for their performance throughout the tournament, with increased attention and scrutiny on every move. In the recent World Cup 2023 match, India defeated Pakistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, resulting in a seven-wicket loss for Pakistan.
Following this defeat, former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik criticised current captain Babar Azam's leadership abilities in the format. His remarks did not sit well with Pakistan cricket legend Mohammad Yousuf, who not only criticised Malik but also called out renowned pacer Wasim Akram, who was part of the discussion panel On A Sports.
After Pakistan's eighth loss in a World Cup match against India, Malik questioned Babar's ability to think innovatively as a captain and suggested that stepping down from the captaincy could allow him to focus on his batting and contribute more effectively to the team.
"I gave an opinion in the past as well that Babar Azam should leave captaincy. This is my personal opinion. Babar does not think out of the box as a captain. He is doing captaincy, but the improvement is not coming. He can do wonders for Pakistan as a player," Malik stated.
Malik further proposed that Shaheen Afridi should take over the captaincy in white ball cricket if Babar Azam decides to step down, citing his effective leadership for Lahore Qalandars in the PSL.
"Shaheen Afridi should become captain in white ball cricket in case Babar Azam resigns. He has demonstrated an attacking captaincy for Lahore Qalandars," he concluded.
Disappointed by Malik's timing, former Pakistan cricketer Yousuf criticized him, emphasizing that, especially after the loss to India, Pakistan should support their captain rather than making such comments.
“During the World Cup, I don't think anybody should talk about this. Secondly, Imran Khan captained in 1983 and 1987 and lost both times before winning on his third attempt in 1992. Any good player should be allowed to continue as a captain for a long time. He is the captain because he has the ability. He did not become the captain because he is related to the PCB chairman.
He is a genuine skipper. So talking about him in this manner is a loss for Pakistan and for him as well, espcially amid the immense pressure post that loss against India. I am shocked that Wasim Akram, who was sitting there, did not stop him either,” he said.
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