Babar Azam, the former captain of the Pakistan national cricket team, has been removed from the squad ahead of the second Test match against England following concerns over his recent performances. This decision was taken by the newly formed selection committee of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and has sparked a significant amount of controversy within cricketing circles.
The Rationale Behind Babar Azam’s Dismissal
Many players in the Pakistan team, including Test coach Jason Gillespie, have expressed dissatisfaction with the PCB’s decision to drop Babar Azam. There is a sense of divide among cricketers regarding the board’s choice, with several former players voicing their concerns on social media. Nonetheless, one prominent voice that supports the PCB’s stance is Australian cricketer Brad Hogg, who believes the decision was warranted given the team’s recent struggles.
Brad Hogg’s Perspective
Brad Hogg took to social media to share his thoughts on the situation, arguing that the comparison between Babar Azam and India’s star player Virat Kohli is misplaced. He pointed out that despite Kohli’s own rough patches, Team India continued to maintain a high winning percentage during his tenure. In stark contrast, the Pakistani team, under Babar’s leadership, has recorded one of the worst winning percentages in recent times.
Comparing bad form between Babar Azam & Kohli after rumors the Pakistan legend will be dropped for the 2nd test v England is baseless. India: 2nd best win % during Kohli’s draft. Pakistan: 2nd worst win % through Babar’s. Hard decisions need to be made!
— Brad Hogg (@Brad_Hogg) October 14, 2024
Discontent Among Pakistani Cricketers
However, not everyone agrees with the PCB’s decision. Cricketers like Fakhar Zaman expressed their disappointment, referencing the support Kohli received during his own rough patches. Zaman noted that Kohli was not benched despite experiencing an average of just 19.33 over a tough stretch between 2020 and 2023. He voiced concerns that excluding a key player like Babar Azam could negatively impact the morale and performance of the entire team.
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.
— Fakhar Zaman (@FakharZamanLive) October 13, 2024
Babar Azam’s Recent Form
Since the start of 2023, Babar Azam has struggled significantly, managing only 352 runs in 17 innings at an average of just 20.71. This alarming drop in form has raised questions about his contributions to the team and sparked the PCB’s decision to make a change.
A Pivotal Moment for Pakistan Cricket
This marks the second time Babar Azam has been dropped from the national team since his debut in 2016. The last time he faced a similar situation was in June 2018. As the Pakistani team prepares for their test scenario without him, many will be watching closely to see how this decision affects both the team’s dynamic and performance in the upcoming matches.
