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[Watch] PAK Legend Rebuffs Shoaib Malik; Slams Wasim Akram Over Babar's Captaincy

image-lnsxwawsBabar Azam during a training session at the 2023 World Cup (AP)

Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Malik recently criticized team’s current skipper Babar Azam after the ‘Men in Green’ slumped to a huge defeat against India at the 2023 World Cup. The legendary all-rounder was of the opinion that speed maverick Shaheen Afridi should be appointed as Pakistan captain instead, while Babar should focus on winning matches for his country merely as a player.

Malik’s recent comments drew much disapproval from his former teammate and Pakistan batting legend Mohammad Yousuf, who claimed that the cricket expert should not have made such comments at a time when the team is already under pressure at a World Cup.

Mohammad Yousuf slams Malik and Wasim Akram

Mohammad Yousuf came to Babar Azam’s defense after Pakistan’s humiliating defeat to India at the 2023 World Cup. The former cricketer said that the management should persist with Babar, and cited an example of former skipper Imran Khan’s success as team leader.

Yousuf also rebuffed Shoaib Malik’s comments and claimed that Babar was appointed as Pakistan captain owing to his own abilities and not because of some outside favor. The legendary batsman further added that the ‘Men in Green’ are already under immense pressure at the 2023 World Cup, and such comments will only dent their confidence further.

The 49-year-old also criticized all-time Pakistan great Wasim Akram for not interrupting Malik, even though the former speedster was sitting next to him at the time of his comments.

Pakistan cricket team launched their 2023 World Cup crusade with a confident win over Netherlands. Piling on their momentum, Mohammad Rizwan orchestrated a stunning hundred to guide Pakistan to a record World Cup run-chase against Sri Lanka in their subsequent outing.

However, their high-flying run was disrupted at the hands of tournament hosts India in Ahmedabad on October 14. Still occupying a spot among the top four sides on the World Cup 2023 points table, Babar Azam and co. will now face Australia on October 20 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore.