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In the high-octane Match 12 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, India delivered a resounding victory against arch-rivals Pakistan, further solidifying their dominance in this historic cricketing rivalry.
Following the loss, questions began to encircle Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, casting a shadow of doubt over his capabilities and leadership qualities. The scrutiny intensified as his performance and decision-making were brought into the spotlight ahead of his side’s disappointing performance.
Former cricketer Shoaib Malik raised significant questions and concerns regarding the leadership qualities of Babar.
Shoaib Malik’s scathing assessment of Babar Azam’s captaincy
Malik raised doubts about Babar’s ability to exhibit inventive thinking in his role as a skipper. Malik proposed that stepping down from the captaincy could aid Babar in honing his batting skills and substantially contributing to the team’s overall performance.
“I gave an opinion in the past as well that Babar Azam should leave captaincy. This is my personal opinion. Babar does not think out of the box as a captain. He is doing captaincy, but the improvement is not coming. He can do wonders for Pakistan as a player,” Malik said as quoted by Cricket Pakistan.
In response to Malik’s remarks, Pakistan cricket legend Mohammad Yousuf vehemently opposed the critique, considering it untimely, particularly given the team’s current World Cup campaign’s high-stakes environment.
Mohammad Yousuf’s counterpoint to Shoaib Malik
Yousuf stressed the importance of refraining from such discussions during the World Cup and cited Imran Khan‘s captaincy journey as an example. He advocated allowing talented players to captain for an extended period, asserting that Babar holds the position based on his abilities rather than due to any connections with the PCB chairman, emphasizing that he is a genuine skipper.
“During the World Cup, I don’t think anybody should talk about this. Secondly, Imran Khan captained in 1983 and 1987 and lost both times before winning on his third attempt in 1992. Any good player should be allowed to continue as a captain for a long time. He is the captain because he has the ability. He did not become the captain because he is related to the PCB chairman. He is a genuine skipper,” Yousuf said. So talking about him in this manner is a loss for Pakistan and for him as well, especially amid the immense pressure post that loss against India. I am shocked that Wasim Akram, who was sitting there, did not stop him either,” Yousuf said.
Also READ: World Cup 2023 – Dinesh Karthik provides crucial advice to Pakistan after their crushing loss to India
Shoaib Malik’s response to Mohammad Yousuf
In response to Yousuf’s critique, Malik acknowledged his deep respect for Yousuf as a fellow sportsman. Nevertheless, he steadfastly said he had the right to voice his opinions when prompted with a question. In addition to this, Malik conveyed a heartfelt message of affection and respect towards his former teammate.
“I have had a great time with Yousuf bhai. I really respect him. However, it was my point of view, it is my right that if somebody asks me a question, I’ll definitely respond to it. If you understood the question and understood my answer, there would be no need to talk on a channel. Other than that, Yousuf bhai, I love you,” the 41-year-old mentioned.
