Former cricketer Salman Butt has sharply criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for their handling of Babar Azam’s captaincy. Babar has been under immense scrutiny following Pakistan’s poor performances over the past year.
The Men in Green suffered a humiliating exit before the Super Eights in the recent T20 World Cup, which included a shocking Super Over loss to the USA. Babar also led the team during their disappointing 2023 ODI World Cup campaign, where they failed to reach the semi-finals.
In an interview with Cricket Pakistan, Butt highlighted the PCB’s role in Babar’s struggles as captain.
“Let’s first talk about what Babar Azam has at hand. He is not a born leader. But the issue is, what have you contributed to make it easier for him? You brought in two guys who humiliated him on TV. Then you changed the captain and brought him back after two series. You are creating corners within the team yourself.”
Salman Butt’s reference to ‘two guys’ points to Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, both of whom have publicly criticized Babar in the past. However, the duo came out of retirement to play for Pakistan in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
While Amir had a relatively impressive tournament with seven wickets at an average of 10.28 and an economy of 4.50, his 18-run super over against the USA proved costly. Imad, on the other hand, struggled with the bat, averaging under 10 at a strike rate of 65.51, but performed decently with the ball, averaging 14.66 with an economy of 4.
“You Are Having Him Managed by Those Who Couldn’t Manage Themselves Their Whole Life” – Salman Butt
Salman Butt continued his criticism of the PCB for their lack of support for Babar Azam as captain.
Despite recent poor results, the 29-year-old boasts an impressive record as captain with 84 wins and only 50 losses in 148 games across formats. Following Pakistan’s disastrous 2023 ODI World Cup, Babar stepped down as captain in all formats. However, the management reinstated him for the white-ball formats earlier in the year.
“There needed to be proper man management in the team. You are having him managed by those who couldn’t manage themselves their whole life. You have wronged Babar; yes, he is not a good captain, but you didn’t give him ideal preparation either,” said Butt.
The PCB recently sacked Wahab Riaz and Abdul Razzaq from the senior national selection committee after Pakistan’s disastrous T20 World Cup campaign. However, Babar’s captaincy in white-ball formats remains intact despite widespread speculations of a possible change.
