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The decision to drop star batter Babar Azam for the second and third Tests against England has sparked controversy within the Pakistan cricket community. Former Pakistan women’s team captain Javeria Khan has vehemently criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for their handling of the situation, deeming it disrespectful to the country's cricketing heritage and a mockery of its esteemed players. Javeria expressed her displeasure on her official X account, highlighting the absurdity of resting a player of Babar’s calibre, particularly in the middle of a crucial series. She argues that such decisions should be made at the start of a series to allow for proper planning and communication, instead of springing them upon players during a critical juncture.
The PCB's decision to rest Babar comes after Pakistan's crushing defeat in the first Test against England in Multan. While other players like Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, and Salman Ali Agha displayed strong performances, the team's overall performance was met with criticism from fans and experts alike. Babar's poor form, particularly his recent streak of 18 innings without a half-century, has been a point of concern. However, Javeria maintains that dropping a player of Babar's stature, who has been the face of Pakistan cricket for years, is not the solution. She questions how such a move could benefit the team in such a challenging series.
The PCB's decision to rest Babar, along with Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, has prompted widespread debate within the cricketing community. While some argue that the move is necessary to revitalize Babar's form, others view it as a disrespectful and unnecessary gamble. Only time will tell whether the PCB's strategy of resting key players will prove effective in improving the team's performance. The outcome of the remaining two Tests against England will be closely monitored as Pakistan seeks to regain its footing and overcome this period of uncertainty.
Source: Former Pakistan captain slams board for 'mockery' in Babar Azam exclusion