Jason Gillespie delivers a no-nonsense verdict on Babar Azam after Pakistan calls for his head

Former Pakistan white-ball coach Jason Gillespie has shared his views on the long-standing struggle of Babar Azam after the star batter has been blamed for the team’s early ouster from the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Babar Azam has been facing a lot of flak for his overwhelming batting show after the Men in Green failed to make it to the semifinals of the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2025. He managed just 23 runs against India before a rash drive off Hardik Pandya ended his stay.

Babar Azam faces the heat for Pakistan’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025 nightmare

Before this match, the former Pakistani captain played one of the worst innings in Champions Trophy history, making 64 runs off 90 balls against New Zealand. He could not add to his tally more, as the defending champions’ last group match was washed out against Bangladesh.

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After the Men in Green ended their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign without a single win, Babar became the villain of the team’s struggle.

Many have been calling out the former captain for his lack of intent, while some are questioning his technique, as the right-handed batter's struggles have continued since 2023.

Babar Azam’s ODI and Test numbers are so poor that they just don’t suit his status as one of the finest batters of the modern era across the formats.

As Babar is now struggling to live up to the sky-high expectations placed upon him, his recent performances have left fans and experts questioning his ability and skills, but Jason Gillespie had a different viewpoint.

Expectations on him by everyone are huge: Jason Gillespie defends Babar Azam

The legendary Australian pacer doesn’t think Babar has any issue with his skill sets or technique; instead, he blamed the pressure that comes with the Pakistani people's expectations for his struggle with the bat. The former coach said that pressure has just broken Babar down.

With mounting criticism from all corners, the former Pakistan white-ball coach urged the fans and former cricketers to show support instead of making him a villain to regain his form with the bat.

Gillespie called the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the team management to back the underfire Babar in this tough time, as the reports of him dropping from the team already hit the headlines.

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Jason Gillespie was quoted as saying by Times of India, “Babar is a fine player. Expectations on him by everyone are huge, and he just needs to be supported and backed.”

Babar Azam is the best that we have: Salman Butt slams critics

Even former Pakistan captain Salman Butt also came forward in support of Babar, saying he is not Virat Kohli but the best batter the country has right now.

Butt said that every player goes through such a phase, but many of them have match-winners, but Babar doesn’t have any, so he just needs support.

Salman Butt said on his YouTube channel, “Talk sense. You don't have a Kohli or a Williamson. Babar is no Kohli. But Babar is the best that we have. If he's not scoring runs, he needs back-up now. When he's scoring, even if you don't like him, you will have to sing his praises with the world.”