Cricket fans around the world are buzzing as Shoaib Akhtar, the former Pakistan fast bowler, offers strong words of advice to the current captain Babar Azam. With the Champions Trophy looming just two months away, Akhtar's ultimatum has put the spotlight squarely on Babar’s performance.
Recently, Babar's form has raised eyebrows, particularly during Pakistan's tour of Australia, where he managed to score just 47 runs across three T20 internationals and 80 runs during the ODI series. These figures are concerning for someone leading the national team and hoping to make his mark on the international stage.
Akhtar didn't hold back: "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 stated, making it clear just how high the stakes are for the captain at this juncture.
The urgency of the matter is amplified by the changes within Pakistan's cricket management. Under the new white-ball coach, Aqib Javed, Babar's spot on the team is not guaranteed, and he will have to prove himself worthy of his position through his performance. Akhtar emphasized, "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."
The pressure isn't solely from within his own camp. Babar's struggles come amid successful outings from the Pakistan team without his contributions. After Babar was dropped from the Test squad following disappointing runs against England—where he managed only 30 and 5—it seemed the team was thriving without his star power, winning the series 2-1.
On this rocky road, there is speculation about Babar perhaps needing to step back from the game for some time to regain his composure. Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting suggested this strategy might benefit him, recalling Virat Kohli’s successful break from cricket after struggling with form. Kohli’s time away rejuvenated his game significantly. Ponting noted, "Maybe Babar needs to get away for awhile and stop trying too hard. Lock the kit bag away for awhile, and think about something else and then hopefully come back recharged... we know at his best he's as good as anyone going around."
A lot is riding on Babar's performance at the upcoming Champions Trophy hosted by Pakistan. It’s not just about scoring runs; it's about making significant contributions to propel the team forward. The tournament is not only the stage for individual brilliance but also the time for the team to rally and put their best foot forward.
Babar's recent averages paint quite the dismal picture as he faced severe criticism from all angles. Since the beginning of 2023, his Test average has plummeted to just 20.7, with no fifty-plus scores to his name this year, highlighting the dire need for him to find his footing once again.
With high-profile figures like Akhtar and Ponting weighing in, Babar Azam’s path forward seems to be laden with challenges and expectations. Will he rise to the occasion and deliver those three centuries Akhtar demands, or will the pressure mount to the point of influence over his role as captain?
One can't help but feel the tension rising as the cricketing world waits with bated breath to see how the captain will perform when the Champions Trophy commences. There's no denying he has the talent, but as critics, coaches, and fans have pointed out, talent alone won't be enough without the commitment to show it on the field.
