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Former Pakistan head coach Mickey Arthur has strongly backed Babar Azam despite the batter going through a difficult phase in his career across the formats in recent years.
Arthur looked back at Babar’s rise and highlighted how quickly the Pakistan star developed around 2017. At that time, Babar was widely seen as one of the world’s top batters across the formats. However, the right-handed batter has been struggling for over three to four years.
Babar Azam’s game has stagnated since 2022: Mickey Arthur on Babar Azam's poor form
Reacting to his poor numbers since 2022, Mickey Arthur feels Babar Azam’s progress has slowed down in recent years. He believes that the star Pakistani batter has not developed his game as expected and has remained at the same level despite having the talent to move forward.
The former South African cricketer didn’t mention the exact reason for Babar’s struggles but pointed towards the huge pressure and responsibility that come with leading Pakistan. He feels the demands of captaincy may have affected Babar’s development and performance.
Captaincy pressure hurt Babar Azam’s growth?
Yet, Babar once took over the Test captaincy of the Pakistan side from Shan Masood, and even he is desperate to once again become the all-format captain. However, the PCB has not yet decided on this. Amid this, Stephen Fleming says NO to England job until Pakistan series ends.
Mickey Arthur said on the 'talkSPORT Cricket' podcast, 'I don’t know what has happened over this period, but he certainly hasn’t developed the way many expected. Whether the power or pressure of captaincy has affected him, I cannot say because I haven’t been there. But it has been sad to see him stand still, as his game hasn’t developed. He has the talent to keep taking his game forward, yet somehow it has remained stagnant. I would love to understand why.”
Mickey Arthur hopes England tour could trigger Babar Azam’s big comeback
The former head coach believes that the right moment could bring the Pakistan star back to his best. The ongoing three-match Test series on the England tour could provide that opportunity.
Arthur is hopeful that the high-profile series will give Babar Azam the spark he needs to regain his confidence and once again show the quality that made him once the modern-era superstar.
Arthur further added, “I'm hoping this tour of England, something just triggers in him, because he is a world-class player there.”
❌ "It's been sad to see him stand still. His game hasn't developed."
— talkSPORT Cricket (@Cricket_TS) August 26, 2026
⭐️ "I'm hoping something just triggers in him, because there is a world-class player there."
Mickey Arthur reflects on a difficult couple of years with the bat for captain Babar Azam 🏏 #ENGvPAK pic.twitter.com/Wbcdyy9wh7
He also slammed the Pakistan system, describing the setup as average and suggesting that it fails to build an environment where players can achieve long-term success and reach their full potential.
Rain delays toss at Lord’s
Notably, rain forced the match officials to delay the toss at the Lord’s Cricket Ground in London as England aim to beat Pakistan in the second Test to seal the series. The hosts have already won the first Test handsomely, and they would love to extend their great record at Lord’s.
England has won their last four Test matches at Lord's, with their last defeat coming in the 2023 Ashes. But Babar’s return is a big boost for Pakistan in the second Test at Lord’s.
