Reach Virat Kohli's Level First: Kamran Akmal Said He Advised Babar Azam To Not Take Pakistan Captaincy

According to Kamran Akmal, he encouraged Babar Azam to improve his batting to the level of Steve Smith and Virat Kohli in order to avoid becoming the Pakistan captain. 

Since becoming the national team captain, Babar Azam has done well and has a strong track record. However, the top batter’s strategies used in the Asia Cup final versus Sri Lanka drew criticism. 

The Moment Sarfaraz Leaves, You Will Be Next In Line: Kamran Akmal’s Words To Babar Azam

As reported by Hindustan Times, Akmal has since admitted during a YouTube programme that he had advised Azam to focus on his batting rather than taking on the captaincy. 

“During a T20I in Faisalabad when Babar was walking out for the toss, I got to know that he is being made captain. That is when I told him… ‘I don’t think now is the right time for you to become captain. Give your best performances in the next 2-3 years. The batting line-up is depended on you.

Reach Virat Kohli’s level first, Steve Smith’s level. By then, you would have scored 35-40 centuries and enjoy captaincy. The moment Sarfaraz leaves, you will be next in line.

But now is the right time. I told him back in the day but it was his decision. Those who were close to him, must have spoken to him and advised him to take up captaincy,” said Akmal. 

Pakistan Cricket Will Go Back If They Remove Babar Azam From Captaincy

Azam was also instructed by the seasoned wicketkeeper to focus on his batting at that time. However, he continued by saying that if they chose to dismiss him as captain right away, Pakistan cricket would take a step backwards. 

“I had also told him to only concentrate on his batting. He was scoring runs and would have continued to do so. The flow was beautiful. People enjoyed watching him bat. With captaincy, there will be pressure, which will affect his batting, his approach.

And somewhere, that is visible now. But at the same time removing him as captain right now would be a big blunder on the part of the team management. Pakistan cricket will go back,” said Akmal. 

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