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'Kohli Ghar Jao,' Ex-Pakistan Star Compares Babar Azam To Kohli, Calls For Captaincy Change

image-loy7c3igBabar Azam [Ap photos]

The fallout from Pakistan's disappointing Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign has led to mounting criticism of skipper Babar Azam. The team's fifth-place finish and failure to qualify for the semi-finals sparked calls for Azam's dismissal as captain. Former Pakistan fast bowler Aaqib Javed joined the chorus, drawing parallels with Indian skipper Virat Kohli's captaincy stint.

Javed argued that, like Kohli, Azam is a stellar batsman but falls short as a captain. Drawing on Kohli's removal post the 2019 World Cup.


Here's what he said:

"Captains can't be made. Either you are a captain or you are not. Virat Kohli became the captain. He was given the opportunity. After 2019 Word Cup he was told 'Thank you very much. You might be a superstar, but ghar jao'. They changed the captain and brought in Rohit Sharma."

Highlighting Rohit Sharma's success in the IPL, Javed questioned Azam's captaincy credentials, pointing out his failure to secure victories in the Pakistan Super League. Javed emphasized that captains are innate leaders, citing examples like Sarfaraz Ahmed's success in the Champions Trophy and U-19 World Cup. 

"Why is Rohit Sharma such a good captain? In IPL, he led the team to five titles. But Virat Kohli did not do anything in the IPL or the World Cup. Now, compare it with Babar Azam. He did nto win anything as captain in Pakistan Super League. People say he is a good captain, but where did he show his good captaincy?"

Contrary to the mounting criticism, former pace great Wasim Akram defended Azam, attributing Pakistan's World Cup woes to systemic failures rather than singling out the captain.

Pakistan concluded their 2023 World Cup journey on a disheartening note, experiencing a disastrous campaign at the One Day International (ODI) World Cup held in India. In their final group game in Kolkata on Saturday, defending champions England convincingly defeated Babar's Pakistan side.