The exclusion of Babar Azam from Pakistan’s Test squad for the second and third matches against England has caused a major stir in the cricketing world. Ahead of the second Test match, to be held in Multan on October 15, fans and cricket experts are shocked to hear that Pakistan’s star batsman, along with Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Sarfaraz Ahmed, has been dropped from the squad. This unexpected move has sparked heated discussions, with one veteran player, Fakhar Zaman, voicing his strong displeasure, even comparing Babar’s situation to that of India’s Virat Kohli.
The Second Test: Pakistan vs. England
The stakes are high as Pakistan faces England in the second Test of the series. The first Test was a tough loss for Pakistan, who now trail 0-1 in the three-match series. The match will take place in Multan, known for its batting-friendly pitch. With Pakistan already at the bottom of the World Test Championship standings, this series is crucial for their chances of making any impact in the tournament.
Team Changes Ahead of the Second Test
In a surprising move, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced that Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Sarfaraz Ahmed will be rested for the second and third Tests. This decision has left many fans bewildered. With Babar Azam, one of the world’s premier batsmen, being dropped, it raises questions about the direction of Pakistan cricket.
Babar Azam’s Exclusion: A Shocking Decision
Babar Azam is widely regarded as one of the best cricketers Pakistan has ever produced. Known for his elegant batting style and ability to lead from the front, his exclusion from the team has stunned both fans and cricketing pundits. Given his status, many expected that he would be given more opportunities to regain his form, rather than being dropped at such a critical juncture.
Fakhar Zaman’s Response
Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman was one of the first to publicly criticize the decision. Expressing his frustration on the social media platform X, he compared Babar Azam’s situation to that of Virat Kohli during his lean phase with India. Fakhar argued that Pakistan should take a page from India’s book, pointing out that India never benched Kohli during his rough patch, and now Kohli is back to his best.
“The news of Babar Azam being dropped is a cause for concern. Dropping Pakistan’s best batsman will send a negative message,” Fakhar wrote.
Comparison with Virat Kohli
Fakhar Zaman highlighted that India did not drop Virat Kohli even when he was going through a significant slump between 2020 and 2023. Kohli’s form during those years was far from his usual best, with averages of 19.33, 28.21, and 26.50, respectively. Yet, the Indian team management continued to back him, knowing that a player of his caliber would eventually return to form.
Babar Azam’s Current Form
Babar Azam’s current form, particularly in Test matches, has been a point of concern. In the first Test against England, Babar managed only 30 and 5 runs in two innings, even as England’s Harry Brook (317) and Joe Root (262) piled on the runs. Babar has not scored a Test half-century since December 2022, a long drought for a player of his standards.
The Impact of Dropping Star Players
Dropping players like Babar, Shaheen, Naseem, and Sarfaraz at such a crucial time could have far-reaching consequences for the team. These players are the backbone of Pakistan’s cricketing setup. Removing them from the squad not only weakens the team but also sends a discouraging message to other players about job security and the management’s long-term vision.
The Importance of Backing Senior Players
Successful teams around the world, including India and Australia, understand the importance of backing their senior players during tough times. Kohli’s example is the perfect case in point—he went through a tough phase but was given the time and support to rediscover his form. Pakistan could benefit from adopting a similar approach with Babar Azam.
Criticism of PCB’s Decision-Making
Fakhar Zaman is not alone in his criticism of the PCB. Many fans and cricket experts have also questioned the decision to drop such crucial players ahead of a pivotal series. Some believe that the PCB has been too quick to judge, especially when dealing with players of Babar’s stature, who have a proven track record.
The Road Ahead for Babar Azam
For Babar Azam, this decision marks a low point in what has otherwise been a stellar career. However, as many great players have shown in the past, form is temporary, and class is permanent. Babar still has the potential to make a strong comeback, and it will be interesting to see how he handles this setback.
PCB’s Official Statement
In its official statement, the PCB cited the need to rest key players based on their current form and fitness. According to the board, this decision was made to protect the long-term interests of the players and the team. However, many remain unconvinced, believing that players like Babar could have played a key role in the remaining matches.
The England Test Series: What’s at Stake
With Pakistan already trailing 0-1 in the series, the next two matches are crucial. Pakistan needs to win both games to avoid a series defeat and salvage some pride. The team’s performance in these matches will also affect their standings in the World Test Championship, where they are currently at the bottom.
The Bigger Picture: Pakistan’s Cricket Future
Looking at the bigger picture, Pakistan cricket is at a crossroads. The decisions made in the coming months will shape the future of the team. Dropping players like Babar Azam may seem like a short-term fix, but the long-term consequences could be damaging.
Conclusion
The decision to drop Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Sarfaraz Ahmed has sparked controversy and debate within the cricketing world. Fakhar Zaman’s comparison to Virat Kohli is a reminder that top players sometimes need the backing of their teams during tough times. Whether Pakistan can recover from this decision remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Babar Azam’s exclusion has left a significant mark on the team and its supporters.
FAQs
Why was Babar Azam dropped from the Pakistan team? Babar Azam was dropped due to his poor form and the PCB’s decision to rest him for fitness concerns.
What did Fakhar Zaman say about Babar Azam’s exclusion? Fakhar Zaman criticized the decision, comparing it to India’s support of Virat Kohli during his rough patch.
How did Virat Kohli’s slump compare to Babar Azam’s? Kohli’s form between 2020 and 2023 was poor, but India continued to back him, leading to his eventual return to form.
What is Pakistan’s standing in the World Test Championship? Pakistan is currently at the bottom of the standings in the World Test Championship.
What are the chances of Babar Azam returning to the team? Given his talent and track record, it is likely that Babar Azam will make a strong comeback in the near future.
