Former England cricketer and broadcaster Michael Atherton has raised questions over Babar Azam’s authority to lead the Pakistan side in a tumultuous situation.
Pakistan had lost the three-match series 2-0 to England, with the third Test scheduled for 9 September at Edgbaston.
After a 194-run defeat at Lord’s, the team management chopped and changed the Pakistan side, dropping seven players and sending them back home. The changes were not limited to players, as head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were also released from their roles.
Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke took over the side and will oversee the squad in the third Test, which includes five uncapped players.
Atherton spoke on recent changes in the Pakistan team on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast alongside commentator Naseer Hussain and journalist Osman Samiuddin.
Atherton was asked about the impact of the final Test’s outcome if Pakistan wins with a new team.
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“Not in this instance, no, because of the damage it will do in the long term. This is no way to manage players and no way to build a long-term vision at all,” Atherton said about the changes.
He called the situation problematic for skipper Babar Azam, questioning how he would lead the side in such circumstances.
“I feel it’s a horrible position for a captain, Babar Azam, to be in – and what kind of authority does he or indeed any captain of Pakistan have in this outfit?” he questioned.
He recalled the 80s and 90s, when captains were powerful and held authority over the side.
“One understands that the captain is not all-powerful these days, you’re not going back 30 years ago when they perhaps ran the show, but they have to have some authority within a team,” said Atherton.
“Given what’s happened, how do you lead that team now?” the former opener said.
READ: Rashid Latif questions Babar Azam’s future after PCB shake-up
