Wasim Akram Shares Concerns Over Babar Azam’s Return as Test Captain

Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has questioned Babar Azam’s decision to return to the role of Test captain, saying he believes the star batter could have focused on playing instead of taking on the leadership responsibility.

Akram shared his views while appearing with former Pakistan fast bowler Waqar Younis at a charity fundraising event in Manchester.

The former captain stressed that his comments were his personal opinion and said he did not intend to blame any individual.

“In my opinion, Babar should not have taken the captaincy,” Akram said, adding that he felt the decision was unnecessary.

Questions Raised Over Team Decisions

Akram’s comments followed Pakistan’s recent Test tour of England, where the team faced significant changes after losing the first two matches of the three-Test series.

Ahead of the third Test in Birmingham, Babar was asked during the toss about the decision to send seven players back home and changes to the coaching setup. The Pakistan captain said he was not aware of those developments.

Akram questioned how a team captain could remain unaware of major decisions involving the squad.

He also said that players need support from their captain and leadership group to perform at their best.

According to Akram, Babar could have considered stepping away from the captaincy after the second Test and continued the tour solely as a player.

Babar’s Test Captaincy Record

Babar Azam was appointed Pakistan’s Test captain on July 5, replacing Shan Masood ahead of the team’s tours of the West Indies and England.

He had previously led Pakistan in Test cricket from 2020 to 2023. During his first tenure, Pakistan played 20 Tests, recording 10 wins, six defeats and four draws.

Under Babar’s leadership during the latest West Indies tour, Pakistan drew the two-Test series 1-1.

The team then faced a difficult Test series in England.

Pakistan Lose 3-0 in England

England won the opening Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs before securing a 194-run victory at Lord’s.

Following the second defeat, the Pakistan Cricket Board made several changes to the squad and coaching setup, with seven players sent home ahead of the final Test.

The changes did not alter the series result. England went on to win the third Test at Edgbaston by eight wickets, completing a 3-0 series sweep.

Akram’s latest comments have renewed discussion around Babar Azam’s leadership role and the challenges Pakistan faced during the England Test series.