Pakistan’s early exit from the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy without a single win has led to significant changes within the national team. As part of these sweeping reforms, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) decided to drop Babar Azam and captain Mohammad Rizwan from the T20I squad for the upcoming five-match series against New Zealand.
Babar’s recent performances have been under scrutiny, as he managed only 126 runs in three Champions Trophy matches, including a slow-paced 64 in a losing cause. His inconsistency sparked criticism from former cricketers, with Shoaib Akhtar even labeling him a “fraud.”
Babar’s Father Defends Him Against Criticism
In response to the backlash, Babar Azam’s father, Azam Siddique, took to social media to voice his strong disapproval of both the PCB’s decision and the negative remarks from former players.
He wrote,
“The boss is always right. A player who made it to the ICC T20 Team of the Year is now dropped—no problem. He will prove himself again in the National T20 and PSL. Insha Allah, he will return stronger. Respect is most important. Some legendary former players should choose their words carefully because if someone responds, they may not like it. The past is past, and those doors won’t reopen.”
He further emphasized that a father has every right to support his son, stating:
“Some say if a father speaks up, it’s an issue. But a father is the first and last coach, mentor, spokesperson, and true well-wisher. Those who don’t understand this should show patience. Cricket fans questioning should check the PCB website for facts. A small hint is enough for the wise. Pakistan Zindabad!”
PCB’s Justification for Dropping Babar and Rizwan
Amid the controversy, Pakistan’s interim head coach and chief selector, Aaqib Javed, defended the decision, stating that it was part of a strategy to modernize Pakistan’s T20 cricket.
Speaking in Lahore, he explained:
“Most teams have around 70 percent of their T20 squad separate from other formats. We are working towards that before the Asia Cup and World T20. Our goal is to have players who play fearless cricket.”
With the National T20 and PSL around the corner, all eyes will be on Babar Azam as he looks to silence his critics and make a strong comeback in the shortest format.
