Wasim Akram predicts batting renaissance for Babar Azam after captaincy resignation

Legendary fast bowler Wasim Akram has shared his views on Babar Azam's recent resignation as the white-ball captain of the Pakistan cricket team. Interestingly, Akram declared Babar’s resignation as a crucial moment for both the player and the Pakistan cricket team.

The former Pakistan captain believes that this move could be significant for a stunning resurgence in Babar's batting form, which has been under heavy scrutiny for a long time across the formats.

Wasim Akram believes Babar Azam's resignation will spark his batting resurgence

Wasim Akram believes that the weight of captaincy has taken its toll on Babar Azam, affecting his performance with the bat for the national team. The responsibility of leading a national team brings a lot of pressure and high expectations from fans and selectors, which can often create an overwhelming environment for any player.

Given that, Wasim Akram stressed that without the burdens of captaincy weighing him down, Babar can now redirect his focus entirely to his batting, honing his skills and rediscovering the form that once made him one of the most formidable batters across the formats in the world.

Akram emphasized that stepping down from captaincy would significantly improve Azam’s batting while claiming the responsibility of leadership was causing unnecessary stress for him. The legendary bowler said that he can fully concentrate on his game and win more matches for Pakistan.

'Stepping down from captaincy will significantly improve Babar's batting'

He reiterated that Babar’s resignation as the Pakistan captain is a crucial turning point not only for the stylish right-hander but also for the Pakistan cricket team, as they are desperate for consistent performances after a string of underwhelming results.

Wasim Akram was quoted as saying by a Pakistani journalist, Saleem Khalique: “I believe that stepping down from captaincy will significantly improve Babar Azam’s batting. The responsibility of leadership likely caused unnecessary stress for him. Now, he can fully concentrate on his game and win a few matches for Pakistan.”

I believe that stepping down from captaincy will significantly improve Babar Azam’s batting. The responsibility of leadership likely caused unnecessary stress for him. Now, he can fully concentrate on his game and win a few matches for Pakistan .Wasim Akram

— Saleem Khaliq (@saleemkhaliq) October 4, 2024

With the upcoming three-match Test series against England on the horizon, all eyes will be on Babar to see if he can shake off the shackles of captaincy and embrace his role as a pure batter. The Pakistan vs England Test series will get underway on October 7 in Multan.

Ab sharam ayi: Sikander Bakht on Babar Azam

On the other hand, former Pakistan fast bowler Sikander Bakht has criticized Babar following his announcement to resign as the captain of the white-ball team. Bakht believes that Babar should have taken responsibility for Pakistan's disappointing early exit from the T20 World Cup 2024 in June, but he has now shown some shame and submitted his resignation.

Bakht told Geo News: “Ab sharam ayi! (You finally felt ashamed!) As soon as our World Cup was over on 16th June because we had not qualified further, he should have resigned at the same time."