IRE vs PAK: Babar Azam’s Cousin Accuses Him of Playing ‘Selfish Cricket’ Against Ireland

Pakistan’s recent struggles continued on Friday in Dublin as they slumped to a 5-wickets defeat against Ireland. The loss has sparked criticism from former wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal, who accused the Pakistan batters, particularly captain Babar Azam, of prioritizing personal milestones over the team’s success.

Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan’s batting display was sluggish, managing only 38 runs in the powerplay while losing the wicket of Mohammad Rizwan. Babar Azam himself was criticized for his slow batting approach, taking 19 balls for just 15 runs in that period.

The sluggish batting display continued throughout the innings, with only a late cameo from Ifthikar Ahmed (37 off 15) providing some impetus. Pakistan eventually posted a total of 182, which Ireland chased down with ease thanks to a brilliant 77 from Andy Balbirnie.

Meanwhile, Kamran Akmal, a former Pakistan wicketkeeper himself, didn’t hold back in his criticism. He accused the Pakistan batting unit of prioritizing personal milestones over team’s victory.

“We will get better when we will try to play good cricket,” Akmal said. “The players must think about the team and we will continue to lose if things stay like this. I am looking that how players are prioritizing personal goals which is not good for the side. The team management will soon identify this.”

Pakistan will be desperate to turn things around in the remaining matches of the series. They face Ireland again on Sunday at the same venue. It will be a must win game for them if they have to stay alive in the three-match series.