Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali has launched a scathing attack on senior selector and High Performance Director Aaqib Javed. His brutal response has come following Pakistan’s struggling performance, which has continued to become worse. Ali has also asked for accountability from him and asked him to step aside after a string of poor results.
Former captain blasts Pakistan selector: ‘Every decision he makes backfires’
Speaking in the wake of Pakistan’s heavy Test defeats at Headingley and Lord’s during their tour of England, Azhar Ali said the team’s performances reflected repeated failures in selection and leadership. He told The Guardian:
“We have had bad decisions like these for three years now. He should take responsibility for performances."
The former captain also stated that Javed’s “judgment should be questioned.” He added that he heard the selector’s interview where Javed was blaming “Sarfaraz and Babar” while he was the one who “appointed them just a few months earlier.”
Ali further continued by saying:
“Every decision he makes backfires, and he then says: ‘It’s not me.’ Look at yourself first.”
Ali also urged him to “step away” if he “cannot control” the team he selects. The criticism comes after major upheaval in the Pakistan setup, including the departure of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, as well as several players being sent home.
Azhar Ali has called for greater stability and longer-term planning rather than short-term fixes, particularly at junior levels. Pakistan cricket continues to face intense scrutiny following another disappointing overseas campaign.
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