Former Pakistan captain and seasoned all-rounder Shoaib Malik did not mince his words to criticise ace batter Babar Azam following the national team’s below-par performance in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
In a video, which went viral on social media, Shoaib Malik claimed that despite being labelled as Pakistan’s best batter, Babar Azam can not make a cut in the T20 International sides of top cricket-playing nations like Australia, India or England.
“Who is our best player? Our best player is Babar Azam. I am just talking about the top 4-5 teams. Can Babar fit in the playing XI of those teams? Of Australia, India or of England in just this particular format? The answer is NO!” he said while speaking at a talk show.
Although the video went viral and caught the attention of cricket fans today, it was recorded on June 27 when India thrashed England by 68 runs in the second semi-final of the T20 World Cup 2024.
Earlier, former Indian cricketer and legendary opener Virender Sehwag made a similar claim regarding Babar Azam, stating if the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decides to remove Babar Azam as white-ball captain then he should not be considered for selection in T20Is.
“But as a leader you have to think whether this game is useful for his team. If not, then demote yourself and send someone who can play big shots in the six overs and get the team 50-60 runs,” stated Sehwag.
“I may sound harsh, but if the captain changes, Babar doesn’t deserve a place in the T20 team. His performances are not as per the demands of today’s T20 cricket,” he added.
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