Shoaib Akhtar tears apart Imran Khan as he launches scathing attack on Babar Azam

Legendary Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar has bluntly criticized Babar Azam's captaincy and batting performances in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 after the Pakistan cricket team’s disappointing exit after the group stages.

Babar, touted as one of Pakistan's finest batters, has been facing increasing scrutiny over his ability to lead the Men in Green effectively in high-stakes matches, as they managed to win only two games against Canada and Ireland in the mega event.

The stylish right-hander has not only badly failed as a Pakistan captain but also as a player in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. He managed only 122 runs in his four innings at the mega event.

Shoaib Akhtar criticizes Babar Azam's T20 World Cup 2024 performance and captaincy

Now, he is under the radar for both his leadership and run-scoring abilities. Amidst the heavy criticism from the cricket fraternity and fans, the Rawalpindi Express questioned the decision behind appointing Babar as Pakistan captain and took a dig at Imran Khan. Notably, it was Imran Khan, who had recommended Babar's name for captaincy.

The former speedster has heavily slammed Babar, questioning whether the Pakistan skipper has any knowledge about the captaincy. Akhtar didn't stop there, as he claimed that Babar was not captain material.

Shoaib Akhtar said on PTV Sports: “Who made Babar Azam the captain in the first place? Who is the Einstein? I need to know that guy. Does he qualify for this job? Does he even know anything about captaincy? I've been saying that Babar Azam is not a captain material. What's going to happen to Babar now?"

In terms of his batting performance in the T20 World Cup 2024, Babar has not managed to anchor the innings effectively, often falling short in crucial moments, despite being considered one of the best modern-era batters across the formats.

The Pakistan skipper’s position has also been a topic of discussion among the former cricketers for a long time now, as he failed to deliver as an opener in the 2024 T20 World Cup. Now, Babar's challenge lies in regaining his form as a batter.

The finisher Babar has to come out again: Shoaib Akhtar

Well, Akhtar suggested Babar adapt to a lower-order role to finish matches for Pakistan in T20Is. The former Pakistan pacer warned Babar that if he fails to finish matches for Pakistan, then he can lose his place in the T20I team.

Akhtar added, "He is now going to come down at number 4. He has to finish the games. He has to win the games, if he doesn't, he won't be able to keep his place in T20I. I am telling you right now. He won't be able to find his place in ODIs if he can't finish.

The finisher Babar has to come out again. That's when the character comes out. He needs to get in that kind of a position. I am bluntly telling this to Babar, you need to remain a superstar. Get to know how to finish games.”