Former Australia cricket coach and legendary batsman Matthew Hayden has thrown his support behind Babar Azam, endorsing him as the natural captain for Pakistan’s Test team. In an interview, Hayden expressed that Babar Azam was the rightful captain, and the decision by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to remove him was a hasty one. Hayden conveyed his disappointment and surprise at the swift decision to replace Babar Azam as captain.
Hayden further stated that Babar Azam should voluntarily step down from captaincy, echoing the sentiments of Abdul Razzaq, who had previously suggested the same. The former Australian batsman emphasized the importance of team performance over captaincy, particularly with the challenges Pakistan faced during the World Cup in 2023.
According to Hayden, Pakistan encountered various challenges in the World Cup, and the team’s overall performance was more crucial than the captaincy. He highlighted concerns over injuries to fast bowler Naseem Shah, worries about the performance of Shahin Afridi, and delayed contributions from Fakhar Zaman and Shadab Khan.
Addressing the issue of captaincy, Hayden argued that Babar Azam’s performance as a player remains commendable, boasting an impressive batting average of approximately 50 as a captain. He suggested that the decision on Babar Azam’s captaincy should be based on a careful consideration of facts and statistics, acknowledging his effectiveness as both a leader and a batsman.
Hayden concluded by emphasizing the need for a thoughtful evaluation of Babar Azam’s captaincy, taking into account his on-field contributions and leadership qualities. The legendary Australian’s endorsement adds weight to the ongoing discussion surrounding the captaincy debate in Pakistan cricket, shedding light on the importance of a balanced and informed decision-making process.
