Former Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has strongly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for leaving out star batter Babar Azam from the squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. The five-match series, which is set to begin on March 16, will see Pakistan taking on a formidable Black Caps without their most experienced batter.
Babar’s recent performances across formats have come under scrutiny, particularly in the ongoing ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. Despite scoring 87 runs in two innings at an average of 43.50, his form has been questioned, leading the selectors to make the bold decision of excluding him from the squad. This move has sparked significant debate among cricket analysts and former players.
“Respect your top player”: Saeed Ajmal warns PCB
Ajmal did not hold back in his criticism of the PCB, calling the decision unfair and disrespectful to one of Pakistan’s finest cricketers. He cautioned the board against undervaluing Babar’s contributions and urged former players to refrain from unnecessary negative remarks.
“You have only one star player. If you bring him down, how will Pakistan cricket progress? These are the real issues we should be discussing. Our former cricketers should stop making unnecessary comments and support the team instead,” Ajmal said as quoted by CricketPakistan.
He further questioned the logic behind dropping Babar, stating that a few below-par performances should not define a player’s worth. He emphasized that rather than axing a world-class batter, the board should back him and provide confidence during tough times.
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Comparison to Sachin Tendulkar
Ajmal defended Babar by highlighting that all great players go through rough patches in their careers. He referenced Indian cricketing legend Sachin Tendulkar, stating that even the best in the game cannot maintain peak form at all times.
“Every cricketer faces ups and downs in their career. You cannot expect someone to perform the same way throughout their playing days. Even Tendulkar could not score a century in every game, yet India always backed him because they knew his true potential,” Ajmal stated.
He further pointed out that Pakistan’s batting lineup lacks stability, and dropping an experienced player like Babar could do more harm than good.
