He Should Resign Right Now: Shoaib Akhtar Urges Babar Azam To Send A 'Strong Message' To PCB

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has urged national team captain Babar Azam to send a strong message to the Pakistan Cricket Board [PCB]  by resigning from captaincy amid rumors of his possible rift with national chief selector Mohammad Wasim.

According to a report published in Pakistan’s national daily Dawn, Babar Azam isn’t happy with the squads that the Wasim-led selection committee has announced for the upcoming tours of South Africa and Zimbabwe.

According to the report, Babar is unhappy with the fact that all-rounder Imad Wasim was dropped from the T20I and ODI squad and also the fact that most of the players who were a part of the squad for the home series against South Africa were dropped despite them not getting enough game time.

Babar Azam has voiced his displeasure in his close circle, alleging that his suggestions were completely ignored by the selection committee. He is also likely to take up the matter with the top bosses of the Pakistan Cricket Board.

Reacting to the development, Shoaib Akhtar has advised Babar to send a strong message to the PCB by relinquishing the leadership duties in order to avoid becoming ‘Sarfaraz 2.0’.

“We are hearing that Babar Azam is calling [Pakistan Cricket Board] and saying that his suggestions have been ignored regarding squad selection. If Babar Azam is so hurt and wants to become a brand, then he should resign right now and send a message that this can’t happen again. If he doesn’t do this, then he will become Sarfaraz part two,” Shoaib Akhtar said on PTV Sports.

Former Pakistan captain and national selector Inzamam-ul-Haq has also lambasted the national selection committee-headed by Mohammad Wasim for ignoring Babar Azam’s suggestions while selecting the team.

“The important thing is that team is selected with consultation and I have already said many times that the most important person is the captain. Chief selector and coach are not the most important people because they can’t go inside the ground and the captain who has to make the team fight inside he should have the confidence,” said Inzamam-ul-Haq.

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