According to recent media reports, the Pakistan captain was dissatisfied with squad selection for the upcoming Africa tour.
Shoaib Akhtar advises Babar Azam:
Shoaib Akhtar, a former speedster, has cautioned Pakistan captain Babar to avoid being ‘Sarfaraz part two,’ and advised him to use his power in team selection and suggested leading the national team with “a strong mindset”.
The move to change the team captain would be futile, according to Akhtar, if Babar steps into the role with an old mindset. He encouraged him to make his own choices.
Former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was previously chastised by Akhtar for allowing ex-head coach Mickey Arthur to have a say in selections during the wicketkeeper’s captaincy.
“We’ve heard that Babar Azam is calling the [Pakistan Cricket Board] and complaining that his squad selection recommendations have been ignored. If Babar Azam is so hurt that he wants to become a brand, he should resign right now and send a message to the world that this will never happen again. If he doesn’t do this, he’ll be Sarfaraz part two, according to Akhtar on PTV Sports.
The fast bowler also said that he wants Misbah-ul-Haq, the Pakistan Cricket Board’s head coach and chief selector, to finish his term (PCB).
ALSO Read: Things heat up as Misbah unhappy with Sharjeel Khan’s selection
Accusing the PCB of making poor decisions, Akhtar said that when Sarfaraz Ahmed began to perform well as captain, he was suspended. He also mentioned that Mohammad Hafeez was replaced after gaining experience in the role.
However, a PCB spokesperson claims that the above allegations are false and that all decisions were made after discussions between the Chief Selector and team management.
