Babar Azam brutally mocked for his English by Former PSL Coach

Former Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Karachi Kings coach Herschelle Gibbs criticized Babar Azam ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. The former Proteas opener stated that Babar is hesitant to improve and innovate his game while mentioning that there is a language barrier.

Babar is playing as an opener in the ongoing ODI tri-series at home. The right-handed batter has recorded scores of 10 (23) and 23 (19) in his first two matches against New Zealand and South Africa, respectively. He will be hoping to regain his form in the tri-series final before the Champions Trophy.

His English Isn’t Great, So It’s Difficult to Get Points Across to Him - Herschelle Gibbs

On Thursday, February 13, Herschelle Gibbs was requested by a fan to give Babar Azam some tips, as he had during his coaching stint with Karachi Kings. Gibbs sarcastically stated that the language barrier makes it challenging to communicate effectively with Babar.

"Language is an issue with babar .. as you know his English isn’t great so it’s difficult to get points across to him," Gibbs wrote on X.

Language is an issue with babar .. as you know his English isn’t great so it’s difficult to get points across to him

— Herschelle Gibbs (@hershybru) February 12, 2025

Babar was dismissed for 23 by Wiaan Mulder in Pakistan's chase of a challenging 353 against South Africa. However, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha formed a record-breaking 261-run partnership, guiding Pakistan to victory with one over to spare. Babar last scored a century in May 2023.

Still Plays with the Same Tempo and Same Shots - Herschelle Gibbs

Herschelle Gibbs criticized Babar Azam for being reluctant to improve and innovate his game. Gibbs stated that Babar has continued to play with the same tempo and shots without significant change or innovation for years.

"Was the first time I was working with him so for me it was a more an observation than anything else but what I’ve seen since then is he hasn’t changed his approach and still plays with the same tempo and same shots."

Babar will next be seen in action against New Zealand in the ODI tri-series final at the National Stadium in Karachi on February 14. After the series, Pakistan will commence its Champions Trophy campaign against the same opponent at the same venue in Karachi on February 19.

Babar Azam Hailed as a Generational Talent for His Records Across Formats

Babar Azam is considered a generational talent in Pakistan. He has scored 14,448 runs in 312 matches across formats, including 31 centuries and 99 half-centuries. However, he has not scored a century in his last 63 innings, which has raised concerns despite his impressive overall record across all formats.

Azam is on track to become Pakistan's all-time leading run-scorer in international cricket. He still trails Inzamam-ul-Haq, who has 20,580 runs in 499 matches. He could also surpass Younis Khan’s record of 42 centuries to become Pakistan's all-time leader in centuries if he continues to shine in upcoming years.

Also read: IPL 2025 Schedule, Start Date, Venue Finalised by BCCI; RCB set to play tournament opener