Wasim Akram criticizes Babar Azam over Test captaincy decision

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has criticized Babar Azam’s decision to accept the Test captaincy, suggesting the player should have remained solely in a playing role. Speaking at a charity event in Manchester alongside Waqar Younis, Akram expressed that the leadership role brought unnecessary complications to Azam’s career.

Akram’s comments follow a difficult Test tour of England, where Pakistan suffered a 3-0 series defeat. During the tour, a major team overhaul occurred after the first two matches, involving changes to the coaching staff and the departure of seven players. Akram highlighted a moment during the Birmingham Test toss where Azam claimed to be unaware of these significant organizational decisions, sarcastically questioning the effectiveness of a captain who lacks such information.

Azam was reappointed as Test captain on July 5, replacing Shan Masood. While his previous tenure from 2020 to 2023 saw a balanced record, his recent leadership saw a 1-1 draw in the West Indies followed by the heavy defeat in England.