Pakistan’s classy batter Babar Azam has found himself under enormous pressure following his poor form in the white-ball cricket. He has failed over and again to blow off criticism that he has been receiving for his below par outings. In the last few months, Babar hasn’t been able to put on an impressive performance, prompting time and again former cricketers and cricket pundits to give their opinions.
One such opinion has come from none other than former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar, who has backed Babar Azam and wants him to blast three match-winning hundreds in the upcoming Champions Trophy in order to keep his place in the team. Babar’s struggle was on full display in the recent ODI and T20I series against Australia, where he struggled to find his form. He was only able to amass 47 runs in T20I series, and 80 runs in the ODI series. With new coach at the helm, Akhtar feels that Babar needs to intensify his attack.
“He is our star player and has my backing but with the new management and the new thinking, he will have to show performances. Otherwise, he will not be considered for ODIs and T20Is,” Akhtar said on PTV Sports.
“Babar needs to be at his best in the Champions Trophy. He will have to score three match-winning hundreds; otherwise, the path is going to be difficult for him," he said.
Babar Azam is now preparing for the upcoming multi-format assignment against South Africa as he was rested for the ongoing white-ball series against Zimbabwe.