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Why Do Babar Azam And Shaheen Afridi Seek Solid Champions Cup 2024 Performance In Pakistan?

Shaheen Afridi & Babar Azam during Champions Cup 2024 (X)Shaheen Afridi & Babar Azam during Champions Cup 2024 (X)

Pakistan cricket has always been a hotbed of expectations, where the nation’s love for the game often runs deeper than the Arabian Sea itself. The stakes have never been higher for two of Pakistan’s most celebrated players—Shaheen Afridi and Babar Azam—as they feature in the Champions Cup 2024.

Both have been under fire following a string of underwhelming performances, including the recent Test series loss to Bangladesh at home and a string of disappointing outings in major tournaments over the past year.

The Champions Cup 2024 will be critical for the careers of these two golden men of Pakistan cricket. Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, once hailed as the future of Pakistan cricket, have both faced scrutiny for their form, leadership, and overall contributions.

With Pakistan set to host the ICC Champions Trophy in 2025, the Champions Cup 2024 is their chance to silence critics and reaffirm their place in the team.

Here’s why this tournament is absolutely crucial for both Shaheen and Babar:

1. Turning Around a Slump in Form

Babar Azam’s career has seen a major dip over the last year, particularly after Pakistan’s dismal outing in the 2023 ODI World Cup and his temporary relinquishment of captaincy. Losing to Afghanistan in the league stage and failing to qualify for the semifinals marked a turning point in his career, as his captaincy was questioned. His leadership, once seen as Pakistan’s brightest hope, is now under scrutiny.

Similarly, Shaheen Afridi, after taking over the T20I captaincy, has been in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Under his leadership, Pakistan lost a T20 series 4-1 in New Zealand before he was sacked from captaincy, and his personal form has been inconsistent.

Afridi’s franchise, Lahore Qalandars, finished last in the Pakistan Super League, winning just one out of ten games—a disaster by all accounts. The Champions Cup 2024 is the perfect stage for both players to turn the tide. It’s their chance to stop the rot and rediscover their form, because if they continue on this downward spiral, Pakistan cricket may be forced to look beyond them.

2. Proving Their Mettle as Captains

Leadership has been a revolving door in Pakistan cricket, and both Babar and Shaheen have been part of this tumultuous journey. Babar, after being replaced as T20I captain, was reappointed following Shaheen Afridi’s disappointing stint. However, Babar’s leadership too has come under fire, especially after Pakistan’s shocking loss to the USA in the T20 World Cup 2024, a tournament where Pakistan failed to qualify for the Super 8.

Shaheen Afridi, once seen as the future captain of Pakistan across formats, has had a tough time as captain as well. His leadership in the PSL and his inability to perform with the ball have cast a shadow on his long-term prospects as a leader.

Both Babar and Shaheen need the Champions Cup 2024 to prove their mettle, not just as players but as leaders. Shaheen is captaining the Lions, while Babar, who is a part of the Stallions squad, isn’t the captain. However, he is a part of the leadership group, and his side’s performance will be vital to his confidence as skipper of Pakistan’s white-ball teams.

3. Rediscovering Their Magic Touch In Crucial Games

One of the biggest criticisms of both Babar and Shaheen has been their declining form. Babar, once considered one of the world’s premier batsmen, has struggled to deliver in big matches. His inability to perform in clutch situations has raised doubts about his place in the team, let alone his leadership.

Shaheen Afridi, on the other hand, has struggled to find consistency with the ball, more so in high-profile matches. Known for his fiery spells and wicket-taking ability, Afridi’s recent outings have left much to be desired. His failure to take crucial wickets has been a significant reason for Pakistan’s poor performances in the last year. The Champions Cup 2024 offers both players the perfect stage to rediscover their old form.

4. Keeping Their Careers Afloat

For Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi, the Champions Cup 2024 is critical. If they fail to perform in this tournament, Pakistan’s cricketing setup might be forced to look for younger, fresher faces.

Pakistan’s history of ruthless decision-making when it comes to cricket leadership is well-known, and neither Babar nor Shaheen can afford another misstep. The Champions Cup is their chance to breathe new life into their careers and prove that they still have what it takes to lead Pakistan into the Champions Trophy 2025 and beyond.

If they succeed, they can silence their critics and lead Pakistan into a new era of cricketing dominance. But if they fail, Pakistan cricket may well turn its back on its once-golden boys, looking for fresh faces to carry the torch forward.