Veteran Pakistani pacer Mohammad Amir has come out in strong defence of former skipper Babar Azam, calling on critics to stop personal attacks and unfounded claims against the batsman. Following Pakistan‘s victory over England in the second Test at Multan, the discussion has intensified around the exclusion of Babar Azam from the squad, with some critics suggesting the team’s success was due to his absence.
Pakistan’s victory net with Criticism and Praise
Pakistan’s 152-run win over England in Multan marked a turnaround in the series, levelling the three-match contest at 1-1. However, despite the impressive performance, the victory stirred criticism towards Babar Azam, who was left out of the squad after a poor showing in the first Test. The new selection panel, led by former pacer Aaqib Javed, opted to drop Babar alongside fast bowlers Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, as well as wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed.
Babar’s exclusion, combined with the strong performances from debutant Kamran Ghulam, who scored a century, and spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, reignited claims of favouritism during Babar’s reign as captain. The duo of Noman and Sajid took all 20 English wickets, with Noman claiming 11 and Sajid picking up nine, helping Pakistan secure a commanding win within four days.
Mohammad Amir blasts Babar Azam critics
Amid the growing chatter, Mohammad Amir expressed his frustration over the criticism directed at Babar Azam. Taking to social media platform ‘X’, Amir urged fans and pundits to stop the negative narrative surrounding Babar’s absence.
“Yar pls yeah ghatia soch khatam karo k Babar team me ni tha ya woh player ni tha to team jeet gayi (Please end these petty talks that the team won because Babar or other players were not in the team),” Amir wrote. He further explained, “Hum better planning k sath khelay, home advantage liya aur jeet gaye (We played with better planning, took the home advantage, and won).”
Amir went on to remind critics to keep their comments performance-based and avoid personal attacks on players. “Pls personal na hn apne players k sath, yes performance base ap baat karen but pls personal na hn (You can talk based on performance, but please don’t get personal with players),” he urged.
Pakistan vs England decider in Rawalpindi
As the series stands at 1-1, Pakistan now heads to Rawalpindi for the third and final Test, set to begin on October 24. While the Multan win has lifted spirits, it has also sparked fresh debates about the team’s composition and leadership moving forward.
Babar Azam, one of Pakistan’s most accomplished batsmen, continues to face scrutiny despite his previous successes. The final Test will not only determine the series winner but may also have a significant impact on the ongoing discussions about Pakistan’s future team leadership and squad selection.
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