‘Babar Azam isn’t the issue,’ Nasser Hussain slams Pakistan cricket

“The problem is not Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi or Naseem Shah; the problem is the way Pakistan cricket is being run,” said former English skipper and commentator Nasser Hussain, while slamming Pakistan cricket.

In an analysis video with Michael Atherton, Naseer commented on the administrative problems within PCB, saying, “27 selectors, many heads and captains have changed in Pakistan in a few years. No organization can succeed with so many changes. One match of the series went badly, and you decided to rest Babar Azam. Either it could have been done before the series, or there could have been talk of giving rest after the three matches.”

Commenting on the analysis, King of Swing and legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram wrote on X, “I think finally boys are on to something here.”

BABAR, SHAHEEN, NASEEM DROPPED

On Sunday, the PCB selection committee decided to drop Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah from the squad for the second Test against England. After this decision, many started criticizing PCB for resting Babar Azam as he needed support and time to stage a come back, which was just one good inning away from him.

Fakhar Zaman also criticized the decision on X, saying, “It’s concerning to hear suggestions about dropping Babar Azam. India didn’t bench Virat Kohli during his rough stretch between 2020 and 2023, when he averaged 19.33, 28.21, and 26.50, respectively.”

‘If we are considering sidelining our premier batsman, arguably the best Pakistan has ever produced, it could send a deeply negative message across the team. There is still time to avoid pressing the panic button; we should focus on safeguarding our key players rather than undermining them,” he added.

Former English captain Michael Vaughan also criticized the PCB for dropping Babar from the squad.

Michael tweeted on X (previously Twitter): “So Pakistan hasn’t won in a while; go one nil down in the series and decide to drop the best player. I guess Pakistan cricket is full of surprises, but this tops the lot. It is an absolutely stupid decision unless he has asked for a break.”

Meanwhile, Pakistan bowling coach Azhar Mehmood said, “We have to take 20 wickets; if we go with spin, then we can get England out. We had a clear plan regarding the pitch; Babar Azam has not been given a drop, and he has been rested due to his workload.”

Kamran Ghulam, Zahid Mehmood, Nauman Ali, and Sajid Khan were included in the team for the second Test being played in Multan.