Babar Azam has faced significant pressure in recent months due to his performance as both batsman and captain. Following Pakistan's disappointing exit from the ODI World Cup, where they won only four out of nine league matches, Babar Azam stepped down as captain. His batting form during the tournament was also criticized, with a strike rate of just 82.90 and a total of 320 runs in nine games. Critics pointed to his inability to perform under pressure.
As a result of these challenges, Babar relinquished the captaincy, handing over the T20I role to Shaheen Afridi and the Test captaincy to Shan Masood.
Despite stepping down, Babar Azam was reinstated as Pakistan's T20I captain in April this year. Unfortunately, his second stint as captain has not yielded positive results. Pakistan drew a home series against a weakened New Zealand side, followed by a T20I loss to Ireland. Their performance in England was also disappointing, culminating in a disastrous T20 World Cup campaign. Eliminated at the group stage, Pakistan suffered humiliating defeats to the USA and India.
Babar Azam's leadership and batting form have come under intense scrutiny. His recent performances as captain have failed to inspire the team, and his personal batting average of just over 100 in four matches has been below expectations. This underwhelming performance has led to significant criticism and online trolling. Adding to the pressure, a video has surfaced showing Azam struggling against Naseem Shah's brother, Ubaid Shah, in the nets. The clip, which has gone viral, depicts Azam being hit on the body while attempting a pull shot. This footage is likely to further fuel the ongoing debate about the Pakistan captain's form and fitness.
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Pakistan cricket is facing a potential overhaul after a disastrous T20 World Cup campaign. The team’s early exit from the tournament, marked by shocking defeats to the United States and India, has prompted a critical review. Reports suggest that key players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi could face demotions in their central contracts for the upcoming season. These potential changes reflect the PCB's determination to address the team's shortcomings. While the impact of these measures remains uncertain, they signal a significant shift in Pakistan cricket as the nation seeks to rebuild its cricketing fortunes.
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