If only Babar is being held responsible, it would be very unfair: Shahid Afridi

Babar Azam led Pakistan lost 0-3 to England

Pakistan's drubbing at the hands of England at home has invited flak for Test skipper Babar Azam. Azam became the first Pakistani captain to lose four consecutive Tests on home soil after Ben Stokes-led England completed a series clean sweep on Tuesday morning in Karachi. 

Former players, critics, and fans have come hard on the selection policies, strategies, and approach of Azam and team management headed by Saqlain Mushtaq. 

Amidst all this, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has backed Azam moving forward. Speaking to Samaa TV, Afridi said that removing Azam is not the solution but rather collective rejigging of mindset needed. 

“This (replacing Babar as captain) is not the solution. The mindset of the captain needs to be changed. Management needs to change the mindset, they need to demand a certain style of cricket from the captain and his team. 

"If you have to take the Pakistan team to the top, you need to change Babar's mindset. It's not only his mistake or responsibility. The management also has the responsibility, they are so much more senior. They need to make the players understand on the style of cricket they expect from them. So, if only Babar is being held responsible for this debacle, it would be very unfair."

Several current players like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Fakhar Zaman have openly supported Azam amidst calls for his removal from the role of captain gaining momentum.

The PCB will soon announce Pakistan's squad for the upcoming two-Test series against the New Zealand commencing December 26.

Also Read: 'We weren't good enough to fight back' - Babar Azam on series whitewash