Reappointing Babar Azam as Captain Was PCB’s Worst Decision: Ahmed Shehzad
Ahmed Shehzad slammed PCB for reappointing Babar Azam as the captain.
Pakistan’s T20 World Cup 2024 campaign has been a disaster, and fingers are being pointed. Veteran cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has launched a scathing attack, calling the decision to reappoint Babar Azam as captain the “worst decision” by the PCB.
Pakistan’s hopes for the tournament were dashed after defeats to USA and India. Despite a win over Canada, their qualification for the Super 8 stage is impossible.
This dismal performance has reignited criticism of captain Babar Azam, who had stepped down from the all format captaincy of the national team after the ODI World Cup last year. However, the PCB brought him back as white-ball captain earlier in 2024.
Shehzad blasted PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi’s decision, calling it “unprofessional” and suggesting Babar had already been given enough chances. “[Making Babar Azam captain again] was the worst decision,” Shehzad told Geo News.
Babar, Rizwan Plays for Personal Milestones?
Shehzad’s criticism goes beyond the captaincy. He believes players like Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Fakhar Zaman, and Haris Rauf have been overindulged. He pointed out a lack of leadership and team unity, suggesting these are major factors in Pakistan’s downfall.
“Look at their cricket for the past four years. The same players – Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, Fakhar Zaman – have been there. They’ve been given more opportunities than they deserve. There are groups within the team, and there’s no clear leadership,” Shehzad added.
Ahmed Shehzad also criticized Babar and Rizwan for prioritizing personal milestones over the team during the Canada match. He accused them of focusing on individual records rather than improving the team’s net run rate.
“They keep saying they’re learning from mistakes, but what are they learning? Against Canada,they needed to improve the net run rate, but Rizwan scored the slowest fifty, and Babar scored a run-a-ball 33. There were no unplayable conditions!”
“These personal milestones have destroyed our cricket. We lack leadership, all we have are social media stars. You haven’t won anything in five years, you’re not fit, you play politics, and your cricket is declining.You only care about friendships!”
Pakistan faces Ireland in their final group match on Sunday, June 16. They sit in third place with a net run rate of +0.191. With qualification out of reach, Pakistan can only play for pride going forward.
