Azhar Mahmood Backs Babar Azam as Pakistan’s Sole Superstar Amid Criticism
Former Pakistan all-rounder and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood has voiced strong support for Babar Azam, describing him as the nation’s sole superstar while expressing frustration over the sustained criticism directed at the batter by former players and social media commentators.
What Happened
Speaking on Sky Sports alongside former England cricketers Mike Atherton and Nasser Hussain ahead of Pakistan’s three-match Test series opener against England at Headingley, Azhar Mahmood addressed the treatment Babar Azam has faced. Mahmood revealed that he spent approximately five months alongside Babar during the batter’s time away from the Test team, during which the two frequently played golf together while awaiting Pakistan’s upcoming fixtures.
Mahmood shared that Babar was deeply affected by the public criticism during that period. The former all-rounder remarked that Pakistan possesses only one true superstar yet continually undermines him. Mahmood noted that Babar, who is 31, has matured as a cricketer and displays heightened confidence and authority when leading the side, although he can retreat into his shell if not given proper respect when not serving as captain.
Key Highlights
- Defence of Babar Azam: Azhar Mahmood characterised Babar as Pakistan’s only superstar and rebuked ex-players and online commentators for persistently pulling him down.
- Period Out of the Side: Babar was left out of Pakistan’s Test squad for the final two matches of the home series against England in October 2024, following an innings-and-47-run defeat in an earlier match.
- Century Drought: Critics had focused on Babar’s extended run without a Test century, with his last three-figure score occurring in December 2022, when he made 161 against New Zealand in Karachi.
- Leadership Transition: The Pakistan Cricket Board reinstated Babar as captain after Shan Masood recorded four victories and 12 losses across 16 matches in charge.
- Captaincy Impact: Upon his return as skipper, Babar guided Pakistan to a victory in the second Test against the West Indies, representing the team’s first away Test win in three years and securing a 1-1 series draw.
Why This Matters
Mahmood’s statements shed light on the internal pressure experienced by elite cricketers in Pakistan amidst public and media scrutiny. According to Mahmood, the combination of a prolonged century drought since late 2022 and being dropped from the Test squad in late 2024 placed significant mental strain on Babar. Furthermore, Mahmood highlighted the contrast in Babar’s mindset, stating that the batter thrives with the responsibility of captaincy but feels isolated when disrespect is directed towards him outside the leadership role.
What to Watch Next
Attention turns to the Test series against England at Headingley in Leeds, where Babar Azam’s participation for the opening match remained uncertain after team management deferred the final selection call to match day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Azhar Mahmood speak out in support of Babar Azam?
Mahmood stated that Babar was severely affected by negative commentary from former players and social media pundits, arguing that Pakistan should support rather than undermine its most prominent batter.
When was Babar Azam previously dropped from the Test squad?
Babar was omitted from the squad for the final two Tests of Pakistan’s home series against England in October 2024 following a lean run of form and an innings defeat.
When did Babar Azam last score a Test century?
According to the source, Babar’s most recent Test hundred was a score of 161 against New Zealand in Karachi in December 2022.
Source: CricTracker