Babar Azam is a fraud, you’ve picked wrong heroes: Shoaib Akhtar tells PAK fans

Shoaib Akhtar Criticizes Babar Azam – Sparks Leadership Debate in Pakistan Cricket

Pakistan cricket has found itself at the center of yet another heated controversy, this time fueled by former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar’s sharp remarks on Babar Azam. Known for his unfiltered opinions, Akhtar labeled Babar a “fraud,” questioning whether his reputation as a world-class batter is justified.

His comments followed Pakistan’s disappointing six-wicket defeat against India, a loss that has placed their Champions Trophy qualification in jeopardy. With emotions running high, fans are divided—some agreeing with Akhtar’s criticism, while others believe the team’s struggles go far beyond Babar’s leadership.

A Divided Opinion Among Cricket Enthusiasts

Akhtar’s remarks have created a significant divide among Pakistan cricket fans and analysts. While some argue that his criticism is valid, others feel it unfairly places the blame on Babar alone.

Supporters of Akhtar’s Critique:

• Believe Babar lacks assertiveness and strategic vision as a captain.
• Argue that his leadership in ICC tournaments has been underwhelming.
• Accuse the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) of relying too much on Babar without developing other potential leaders.

Babar’s Defenders:

• Highlight his consistency with the bat across all formats.
• Emphasize that Pakistan’s struggles are due to broader issues, including poor team selection and inconsistent bowling.
• Point out that leadership is not a one-man job, and the entire team must step up in high-pressure games.

Shoaib Akhtar’s Comments on “Game On Hai”

Speaking on the popular cricket talk show Game On Hai, Akhtar compared Babar Azam to Virat Kohli, stressing the importance of mentorship in cricket.

“Kohli had Sachin Tendulkar to look up to, guiding him toward greatness. Who does Babar have? Pakistan cricket lacks a system that nurtures true leaders,” Akhtar remarked.

He further criticized the lack of structured mentorship programs within Pakistan cricket, arguing that without proper guidance, even the most talented players struggle to evolve as strong captains.

Pakistan’s Leadership Void – A Growing Concern

Beyond Babar Azam, Akhtar placed significant blame on the PCB for failing to cultivate strong leaders. He pointed out that Pakistan once produced captains like Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, and Inzamam-ul-Haq—players who led with confidence and resilience.

“It’s not just about talent. Leadership is about mindset, decision-making, and inspiring others to perform under pressure. We don’t have that anymore,” Akhtar emphasized.

This criticism has reignited discussions about Pakistan’s long-standing issues with leadership transitions and the need for a structured approach to captaincy development.

Babar Azam – A Star Batsman Under Scrutiny

Despite the leadership criticism, there is no denying Babar Azam’s excellence as a batsman. His technique and consistency have placed him among the best in the world.

However, his captaincy has been a topic of debate, especially in high-pressure ICC tournaments. Critics point out that while Babar excels in bilateral series, his cautious approach in major competitions has cost Pakistan crucial matches.

The India Match – A Tipping Point?

In the much-anticipated clash against India, Babar Azam scored 48 runs but struggled to accelerate when needed. Analysts believe his approach slowed down the innings, putting unnecessary pressure on the middle order and contributing to Pakistan’s loss.

This performance has intensified the debate over whether he should continue leading the team or step down to focus solely on his batting.

Social Media Reaction – Fans Weigh In

Shoaib Akhtar’s remarks have sparked massive discussions across social media. Cricket fans are voicing their opinions, creating a clear divide between those who support Babar and those who believe a leadership change is necessary.

Supporters of Babar:

• Argue that Pakistan’s issues are systemic and not just about one individual.
• Believe that changing the captaincy will not solve deeper problems like inconsistent team selection and weak strategies.

Critics Backing Akhtar:

• Insist that Babar’s leadership has not yielded results in big tournaments.
• Suggest that Pakistan needs a more aggressive and tactical leader to compete with top teams.

Platforms like Twitter and Reddit are flooded with debates, with many comparing Babar’s leadership to Kohli’s and discussing Pakistan’s future in international cricket.

Is Babar Azam’s Captaincy at Risk?

With Pakistan’s recent struggles, questions about Babar’s future as captain are growing louder. If the team fails to secure a Champions Trophy qualification, the pressure to make a change could become overwhelming.

Possible Successors for Captaincy:

• Shaheen Afridi – A passionate leader with an aggressive mindset.
• Mohammad Rizwan – Known for his calm approach and tactical awareness.
• Shadab Khan – A young and energetic leader who could bring fresh ideas.

The PCB has a tough decision ahead—continue with Babar as captain or make a strategic shift before the next ICC tournament.

Pakistan’s ICC Struggles – A Recurring Pattern

Since their Champions Trophy win in 2017, Pakistan has failed to make a significant impact in ICC events. Their performances have been inconsistent, exposing several weaknesses that need urgent attention.

Key Issues Facing the Team:

• Mental Toughness – Pakistan has often crumbled under pressure in must-win games.
• Inconsistent Performances – The team shows flashes of brilliance but struggles to maintain momentum.
• Lack of Strategic Leadership – Without a strong captain, Pakistan appears directionless in high-stakes situations.

Shoaib Akhtar has called for an overhaul of the team’s approach, urging the PCB to invest in leadership development and mental training to prepare players for international success.

What’s Next for Pakistan Cricket?

Shoaib Akhtar’s explosive comments have ignited one of the biggest debates in Pakistan cricket. While some believe his words are harsh, others see them as a much-needed wake-up call.

Babar Azam remains one of the finest batsmen in the world, but his captaincy is under immense scrutiny. With Champions Trophy qualification at stake, Pakistan cricket faces a critical decision.

Will the PCB stand by Babar, or will they opt for a fresh leadership approach?

The coming months will be crucial in determining the future of Pakistan cricket, and fans will be watching closely to see how the team responds to the mounting pressure.