Pakistan cricket team’s star batsman, Fakhar Zaman, has expressed concern over the decision to drop Babar Azam, the captain and one of the best batsmen in the country. In a candid statement, Fakhar highlighted the potential negative consequences of sidelining a player of Babar’s caliber, especially in times when the team needs its most experienced and talented players. Drawing comparisons with India’s handling of Virat Kohli during his rough patch, Fakhar Zaman’s comments have reignited the debate about how star players should be treated during slumps in form.
Dropping Babar: A Cause for Concern
Fakhar Zaman did not mince words when he addressed the issue. He openly criticized the move to drop Babar Azam, pointing out that such decisions could harm the team in the long run. “Dropping Babar Azam is a cause for concern,” Fakhar remarked, adding that this decision sends the wrong message not only to the team but also to cricket fans in Pakistan. According to him, Babar Azam’s performance has been instrumental in the team’s success, and casting him aside in a difficult moment undermines the hard work and dedication he has shown over the years.
As Pakistan’s captain and a key figure in the batting lineup, Babar has been the backbone of the team. He has led the side to several notable victories and has consistently been ranked among the top batsmen in the world across formats. For Fakhar Zaman, Babar’s contributions to Pakistan cricket are undeniable, and dropping him based on a temporary slump in form could have lasting consequences for the player and the team as a whole.
Learning from Virat Kohli’s Example
To further his argument, Fakhar Zaman drew a comparison with how India managed Virat Kohli during his extended dip in form between 2020 and 2023. Kohli, regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of the modern era, experienced a prolonged period where he struggled to find his rhythm. Despite the pressure from critics and fans, India’s selectors and management stood by him, allowing Kohli the space to regain his form without the fear of being dropped.
Fakhar emphasized that dropping Babar Azam could send a negative message, not only to the player but to the entire team. He suggested that Pakistan should take a cue from how India handled the Kohli situation. “India did not drop Virat Kohli despite his poor form for three years,” Fakhar said, adding that it was a testament to how top players should be supported during difficult phases.
By showing faith in Kohli, India allowed him to work on his game without the additional pressure of selection uncertainty. Eventually, Kohli found his way back to form, proving that patience and belief in a player’s abilities can lead to positive outcomes. Fakhar believes that Babar Azam deserves the same level of trust and backing, especially considering the immense responsibility he has as Pakistan’s captain.
Panic Decisions Could Hurt the Team
Fakhar Zaman also warned against making decisions in panic, suggesting that dropping a player like Babar in reaction to a temporary dip in form could destabilize the team. “Protect your players instead of making decisions in panic,” he urged, highlighting the importance of maintaining stability within the squad.
Cricket, like any other sport, is filled with highs and lows. Even the best players in the world go through rough patches, and it is during these times that they need the most support. Fakhar argued that hasty decisions could damage the confidence of players and disrupt the team’s morale. Instead of dropping players at the first sign of trouble, he suggested that management should focus on providing the right environment and encouragement for players to bounce back.
Babar Azam’s Importance to Pakistan Cricket
There is no denying Babar Azam’s importance to Pakistan cricket. As one of the top-ranked batsmen in the world and the captain of the national team, his performances often dictate the outcome of matches. He has been a consistent run-scorer for Pakistan across formats, and his leadership has been praised by many experts in the cricketing world.
Babar’s role as both a leader and a premier batsman makes him an integral part of the team’s structure. Dropping him, according to Fakhar Zaman, could not only affect Babar’s confidence but also create uncertainty within the squad. Players look to their captain for guidance, and if Babar is not part of the playing XI, it could lead to instability in the team’s dynamics.
Fakhar Zaman’s comments reflect a broader concern about how top players are treated during difficult times. In cricket, form is often temporary, but class is permanent, and Fakhar believes that Babar Azam’s talent and leadership deserve unwavering support. By drawing parallels with India’s treatment of Virat Kohli, Fakhar has made a compelling case for patience and belief in Babar’s abilities.
The decision to drop Babar Azam has sparked debate within Pakistan cricket, with many echoing Fakhar’s sentiment that such a move could have long-term repercussions. Instead of making panic decisions, Fakhar suggests that Pakistan should rally around its best players, providing them the space and confidence to regain their form and lead the team to success.
