Former Pakistan player backs Babar Azam after reports of Pakistan captain crying following humiliating defeat against Afghanistan

Babar Azam and his team are having a difficult time in the ongoing World Cup. Arrived in the tournament as one of the favourites, but now they are on the brink of elimination. Pakistan started their campaign with two wins but suffered three successive defeats against arch-rivals India, Australia and Afghanistan.

It was Pakistan’s first defeat against Afghanistan in ODI cricket, but more than that, the underdogs dimmed Men in Green’s chances of qualification. Despite having a competitive total of 282 on the board, Pakistan bowlers failed to come out on top. Half-centuries from the top three Afghan batters and captain Hashmatullah Shahidi’s 45-ball 48 saw them cross the finish line in 49 overs.

Amid Pakistan fans and former cricketers tearing apart Babar and his players, there were reports that the No. 1 ODI batter cried after Monday’s defeat. Wasim Akram, Misbah ul Haq, Aaqib Javed, Shoaib Malik, and Shoaib Akhtar were among those who criticised Babar’s captaincy and the poor display of their national players.

Meanwhile, reacting to the reports that Babar was deeply distraught and crying following their shocking eight-wicket loss to Afghanistan, former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Yousuf has come out in support of the Lahore-born cricketer. The former Pakistan captain said that the responsibility for the defeat is not only on Babar but also on the entire team and management.

“I heard Babar Azam cried after the defeat against Afghanistan. It’s not only Babar’s fault, the entire team and management is involved. We are with Babar Azam in this tough time and the entire nation is with him,” Yousuf said on a Pakistan TV programme.

Pakistan legends calls for captaincy change 

Former Pakistan all-rounder Aaqib Javed said that Babar has failed to prove that he is a great leader in white-ball cricket. According to him, pace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi should take up the leadership role in limited-overs cricket.

“Shaheen is the best bet for the future of Pakistan cricket. Babar has failed to prove himself as an able captain in white-ball formats,” Aaqib was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Former Pakistan captain Misbah ul Haq also criticised Babar’s captaincy, citing errors in bowling changes and field placement.

“He has wasted Haris Rauf by bringing him on in the power play when there are only two fielders outside the circle. Haris was hit in his first over (against Australia) and he lost all confidence. He should be brought on with at least a sweeper at cover and three other fielders on the leg-side deep,” Misbah said.