In a dramatic turn of events in the world of cricket, Babar Azam, the star batsman and captain of the Pakistan cricket team, has been dropped from the squad for the second and third Test matches against England. This decision has sparked outrage among fans, who have directed their anger at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for sidelining their premier player, particularly given his contributions to the team over recent years. As Babar continues to struggle with form—having not scored a fifty in his last 18 Test innings—the debate within the cricketing community intensifies.
The Fallout from Babar’s Ouster
The implications of Babar’s removal are not just confined to his performance; they extend to the morale of the entire team. Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan’s opener, has voiced his discontent with the decision, drawing parallels between Babar’s situation and that of Indian batting legend Virat Kohli. Despite Kohli facing his own struggles in form, he remained supported by the BCCI, a point Fakhar emphasized in a recent post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
Fakhar Zaman’s Support for Babar Azam
Fakhar’s comments came in the wake of Babar’s exclusion, as he argued that dropping the player could send the wrong message to the team and might contribute to further negativity. He highlighted how Kohli was retained on the Indian team despite underwhelming performances between 2020 and 2023, pointing out Kohli’s averages during that timeframe. Fakhar described Babar as one of the best batsmen in the history of Pakistan cricket, insisting that the PCB should focus on uplifting players rather than penalizing them. His statement struck a chord with many fans who believe in supporting talent through rough patches.
It’s concerning to hear suggestions about dropping Babar Azam. India didn’t bench Virat Kohli during his rough stretch between 2020 and 2023, when he averaged 19.33, 28.21, and 26.50, respectively. If we are considering sidelining our premier batsman, arguably the best in Pakistan cricket…
— Fakhar Zaman (@FakharZamanLive) October 13, 2024
Backlash from Indian Fans
Fakhar’s post led to a backlash from Indian cricket fans, who took to social media to express their disapproval. Many users argued that comparing Babar with Kohli was unjustified, pointing out that Kohli’s record speaks for itself. They highlighted Kohli’s impressive statistics and critical innings that helped lift the Indian Test team, contrasting it with Babar’s current dilemma.
What’s the obsession? Kohli had one of the greatest shouts by 2019 whereas Babar isn’t even in the top 10 Test batters of this generation…
— arfan (@Im__Arfan) October 13, 2024
Performance Pressure: The Critical Test Matches
The backdrop of this controversy includes a disappointing loss for the Pakistan team in the first Test against England, where several key players, including Babar Azam, failed to deliver. The scrutiny on Babar intensified as he struggled to find form, which eventually led to calls for his removal from the playing eleven. Critics have noted that Babar has not reached fifty runs in any of his last 18 innings, raising questions about his role in the team and the future direction of Pakistan cricket.
Looking Ahead: The Future for Babar Azam
As Pakistan’s selectors have chosen to drop Babar from not just a single match but the entire series, it remains to be seen how this will affect his career moving forward. The cricketing community is divided; some believe this could be a wake-up call for Babar to reassess his approach, while others feel it could demoralize him at a crucial point in his career. Ultimately, the focus will now shift to how the PCB manages player morale alongside performance, and whether they can provide the necessary support systems for their athletes in trying times.
