CRITICAL questions regarding the future of Pakistani cricket have reached a boiling point, with legendary fast bowler and former captain Waqar Younis delivering a sobering assessment of the current state of star batter Babar Azam. As the national team continues to struggle on the international stage, the consensus among cricketing pundits is hardening: the weight of the captaincy is threatening to erode the talent of one of the world’s most elegant stroke-makers.
Waqar Younis, whose tactical acumen and history with the national side provide significant weight to his words, did not mince his observations during a recent public appearance. According to the icon, the decision to repeatedly thrust leadership responsibilities onto Babar is not just a tactical blunder—it is a personal disservice to the player.
The Burden of Leadership
“I have seen him as a player,” Waqar noted during a recent discussion. “Technically, [he is] a very sound player. A very complete and elegant player. As a player, I don’t personally see anything wrong with him. But I think with the captaincy pressure, he takes a little too much on himself. Whenever he takes this responsibility or is given a responsibility, I don’t think he performs that well.”
Waqar’s critique goes beyond mere statistics. He touched upon the intangible requirements of leadership, noting that a captain must possess a level of assertiveness and a willingness to shield his teammates that may not align with Babar’s natural temperament.
“So I think we are losing a player if we are going to give him this responsibility because he struggles to handle that,” Waqar warned. “You have to be strong as a person, and you have to be really out there and back your players. If you cannot back your players, it’s unfair to the players and the job.”
A Summer of Discontent
This damning assessment comes in the immediate wake of a dismal 3-0 Test series whitewash at the hands of England. The series was characterized not just by poor play on the field, but by institutional chaos that reached the very top of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
The atmosphere within the camp reached a fever pitch when, trailing 0-2, the PCB took the unprecedented step of sending seven players and two coaches back home before the final Test match. The turmoil was exacerbated when Babar revealed to the media that he had not been consulted by the board—chaired by Mohsin Naqvi—regarding these drastic roster changes.
The admission caused a firestorm. While some viewed it as evidence of a lack of autonomy for the skipper, other legends like Wasim Akram were less sympathetic. Akram publicly questioned Babar’s decision to distance himself from the board’s calls, suggesting that a leader should stand firmly by the team and the decisions made, regardless of whether they were consulted. This internal friction, coupled with the series defeat, has left the team’s morale in tatters.
The Waning Batting Form
Perhaps the most alarming statistic in the debate is the four-year drought that has plagued Babar in the longest format of the game. Once considered the bedrock of Pakistan’s batting order, the 31-year-old has not registered a Test century since his performance against New Zealand in December 2022.
While he has come within touching distance of the triple-digit mark on several occasions—most notably against the West Indies and in the final Test against England—the conversion rate simply has not been there. For a player of his technical proficiency, the inability to turn starts into monumental scores is a symptom of a mind cluttered by the responsibilities of the captaincy.
The decline in his form has mirrored the decline of the team’s standing. Pakistan currently languishes in the basement of the World Test Championship standings, holding a mere four points. The misery was further compounded by an 11-point penalty for slow over-rates during the final match at Edgbaston, a reflection of the lack of control and discipline currently permeating the side.
What Lies Ahead?
The leadership carousel in Pakistan continues to spin wildly. After moving on from Shan Masood following the 2-0 series defeat against Bangladesh, the board’s decision to return to Babar has thus far yielded only more instability.
As Pakistan looks toward the future, the primary dilemma is clear: does the PCB prioritize an established name as captain, or do they prioritize the individual well-being and performance of their star batter? Waqar Younis has provided his answer. He believes that to save the player, the board must act swiftly to relieve him of the mantle of leadership.
Whether the powers that be in the Pakistan Cricket Board are willing to accept this diagnosis remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: if the current trajectory continues, Pakistan risks doing irreparable damage to one of the most prolific talents to ever wear the national jersey. The question for the fans is no longer who should lead, but rather, can the team afford to break the man just to satisfy the office?
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