PAK vs IRE: Ahmed Shehzad blasts Babar Azam as 'fake king' over his poor stats and captaincy in ICC events

Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad launched a fresh scathing attack on Babar Azam for his performance in ICC events, questioning the Pakistan cricket team captain's statistics and branding him a "fake king" after his poor outings in the ongoing ICC T20 World Cup 2024.

Shehzad pointed out Azam's strike rate of 112 and an average of 26 in ICC tournaments, highlighting his lack of impactful performances in crucial phases like powerplays, where the right-hander failed to hit a single six despite facing 207 deliveries as a top-order batter.

Shehzad, known for his straightforward remarks, acknowledged that his own statistics need improvement, but he emphasized that Babar’s statistics fall even below his own standards. Shehzad even labeled the Pakistan skipper as a "fake king," questioning his reputation given his performance.

Ahmed Shehzad slams Babar Azam as 'Fake King' over ICC T20 World Cup 2024 performance

Ahmed Shehzad said on Geo News show: “The stats that you are talking about, your stats say that your strike rate is 112, your average is 26 in ICC events, after that in powerplay, you have played 207 balls, you have not hit a single hit as a top order batsman, after that I feel that my 8 years old stats, I need a lot of improvement in this, I could have done it better, I agree, but your stats are even lower than mine, your stats are even lower than mine, but you are a king, you are a fake king.”

Shehzad, reflecting on his own career eight years ago, highlighted the challenges faced then, when the team's circumstances were dire with limited financial support and unstable team selections.

He further pointed out the evolution of cricket and the significant financial rewards modern-day players like Babar Azam enjoy, contrasting it with the very low earnings during his time. He criticized Babar for not capitalizing on these advantages and failing to live up to expectations as Pakistan's captain.

The Pakistani batter even accused Azam of lacking the leadership qualities needed to steer Pakistan to victories, despite being given ample support and resources over five years without winning any major trophies. He further criticized Azam for allegedly undermining the domestic cricket structure by favoring his friends over deserving talents.

Ahmed Shehzad suggests Babar Azam return to domestic cricket

Furthermore, Shehzad slammed Babar for Saim Ayub's mishandling, suggesting his captaincy adversely affected the young player's career. He yet again criticized Azam's performance in ICC events and the Asia Cup, pointing out that his statistics are widely known globally.

He expressed disappointment that, despite receiving full support and having the players he requested, Azam has not been able to bring success to Pakistan. Sehzad now wants Azam to take responsibility for his performance, suggesting he play domestic cricket and improve.

Shehzad signed off by saying, “You can do one that you raise your hand and say that I had all the support. I was given everything by PCB. I couldn't deliver even if I got the players I wanted. But I couldn't deliver Pakistan. I am really, really sorry. I am responsible. When our stats came down, we went to play domestic cricket. We tried to improve our stats. Now it's your turn. Now you will come. We know that you are coming. Now you will go and play domestic cricket. You will improve your stats. And you will come back to Pakistan.”