Babar Azam, the charismatic leader of the Pakistan cricket team, is facing mounting scrutiny as Pakistan’s World Cup hopes fade away. The recent match against Afghanistan, where Pakistan lost a crucial encounter, has raised serious questions about Babar Azam’s captaincy skills and his ability to lead the team effectively.

Babar Azam captaincy has been poor

Know y? #PAKvsAFG #CWC2023 #AFGvsPAK pic.twitter.com/W4VZba1q3i
— ICT Fan (@Delphy06) October 23, 2023

The Shaky Leadership

In the match against Afghanistan, Babar Azam’s captaincy was far from inspiring. When Hasan Ali dismissed Ibrahim Zadran for 87, it was an opening for Pakistan to mount a comeback. With Afghanistan needing 92 runs off 16 overs, the opportunity was ripe for Pakistan to seize control. However, what followed was a series of baffling decisions by Babar Azam.

Questionable Bowling Choices

Babar Azam’s decision to entrust part-time off-spinner Iftikhar Ahmed against a new batter, Hashmatullah Shahidi, was puzzling. Pakistan had the momentum, with Hasan Ali delivering an impressive over. However, Babar handed the ball to Shadab Khan, who was promptly dispatched for boundaries by Shahidi and Rahmat Shah. This decision underscored the lack of quick thinking and game awareness in Babar’s captaincy.

Comparing with Great Captains

Great captains like MS Dhoni are known for their ability to read the situation and make the right moves. Dhoni was renowned for bringing on spinners when he sensed grip in the pitch, even in crucial matches. In contrast, Babar Azam failed to make the obvious choice of bringing in a pacer when Hasan Ali was in form, allowing Afghanistan to regain their composure.

Missed Opportunities

With 72 runs needed off 72 balls, Pakistan still had a chance to make a comeback. When Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi bowled two promising overs, it seemed Babar was getting things right. However, another inexplicable bowling change brought back Usama Mir and Shadab Khan. This indecision allowed Afghanistan to regain control of the game.

Lack of Inspiration

During the drinks break, Imam-ul-Haq was seen motivating the team, but the captain, Babar Azam, failed to inspire his teammates in a crunch situation. The frustration in Babar’s body language was evident, but the team needed more from their leader.