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'It's A Downtime...': Shoiab Malik Gives His Verdict On Babar Azam's Captaincy

Babar Azam and Shoaib Malik batting together for Pakistan (x.com)Babar Azam and Shoaib Malik batting together for Pakistan (x.com)

Pakistan white-ball captain Babar Azam has been facing backlash since team's early exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup. Former cricketers and pundits have been demanding for Babar's resignation as captain, but there is a lobby that is supporting the elegant and talented batter. 

Shoiab Malik, who played in the twilight of his international career along and under Babar Azam's captaincy, has given his verdict on the scruity that the current Pakistan skipper is facing. 

He stated that ups and downs are a part of a cricketer's life, and Babar will come back after going through this low phase in his career. 

"Ups and downs are a part of life, especially when you are a cricketer from the subcontinent. He (Babar) needs to stay strong during this time. I know he has a personality that embraces challenges; right now, it’s a downtime, but good times will come too," Malik commented while talking about Babar Azam on Cricket Pakistan. 

The 42-year-old played under Babar's captaincy during the 2021 T20 World Cup, where Pakistan got knocked out in the semifinals against Pakistan. However, as the team went under transition, Malik lost his place to the likes of Shan Masood, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha and Haider Ali.

Talking in the same interview with Cricket Pakistan, the veteran all-rounder also stated that he doesn't dream of making a comeback for Pakistan now. He didn't announce his T20 retirement as he wants to continue playing league cricket across the globe.