Pakistan captain Babar Azam has earned the right to be considered among the best batters in world cricket at the moment. The stylish right-hander has displayed impeccable consistency in all three formats of the game but in T20Is, the Pakistan skipper has been at his supreme best in the last couple of years. Barring the Asia Cup 2022, where he managed just 68 runs in six outings, Babar has pushed the run-scoring ceiling to greater heights.
Having said that, there have been times when the right-hander's cautious approach towards building his innings has subjected him to criticism, even by his countrymen. Earlier in the month, former Pakistan bowler Aaqib Javed took a massive dig at Babar Azam and stated that whenever his team came up against the national team skipper in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), their strategy was to not dismiss Babar as he batted at low strike rate.
When asked about Javed's comments on the eve of the first T20I against England, the Pakistan captain underlined that people should stop making personal attacks.
"He might think that. Everyone has their own point of view. Everyone has their own opinion, we do not listen to them. We don't bring the outside chatter inside the dressing room. Everyone has their point of view, you can talk about things, but as players you have also witnessed all this in sport. Every player has gone through it, there is so much pressure and responsibility. There shouldn't be personal attacks, it isn't just about me, I am talking about the entire team. You can have normal discussions, we do not listen to what people are saying. It doesn't matter," said Babar during a press conference.
Babar will have a chance to shut his critics with the bat in the seven-match T20I series against England at home. The first T20I is scheduled to be played on September 20 (Tuesday).
