Journalist Mansoor Ali Khan has stirred a heated debate online after claiming that Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam was close to being caught up in a major controversy shortly before the ongoing series against England.
While the journalist did not specify the nature of the alleged controversy, saying that it surfaced in the weeks leading up to the series, he went on to claim that Babar had avoided the situation for now.
Khan then shifted his focus to Babar’s form as captain, calling him out over his performance during the ongoing series.
“The kind of performance we have seen from him as captain has been absolutely pathetic,” he said, adding that a player who considers himself world-class needs to deliver when his country needs him most.
He also linked Babar’s dip in form to his commercial commitments, arguing that a heavy focus on endorsements comes at the cost of on-field performance.
“When you spend all your time doing advertisements, cricket will eventually treat you the same way,” he said, adding that if you do not respect the sport, the sport would not respect you either.
Reactions poured in quickly, with many viewers questioning the basis of his claim regarding an alleged controversy.
“Kaisi controversy [what kind of controversy?],” asked one user while another questioned if the journalist had any evidence to back his claim.
Others were more direct in demanding accountability. “Mansoor Khan Sahib either provide evidence or apologise. Enough is enough,” said one while a number of Babar’s fans also pushed back against the broader criticism.
A majority of netizens also supported Khan’s views on Babar’s performance as both a captain and with the bat.
While Babar Azam has not yet issued a response to the claims, it may be noted that Babar earlier missed the first Test at Headingley, where Pakistan lost by an innings and 103 runs, after being struck on the hand during a warm-up match.
He returned for the Lord’s Test but managed scores of only 8 and 6 as Pakistan slipped to a 194-run defeat, handing England an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series.
The third Test between Pakistan and England begins on September 9 at Edgbaston.
