A major revelation has shaken Pakistan cricket as a former national team legend disclosed that he was forced to resign after suggesting that star batter Babar Azam should be dropped from the playing XI during the ongoing 2026 ICC T20 World Cup. The disclosure highlights the deep divisions within Pakistan’s cricketing establishment and the immense pressure surrounding Babar’s form.
Key Highlights
- Resignation Revelation: The Pakistan great stated that his recommendation to rest Babar Azam was based purely on form and team balance, not personal differences.
- Backlash Within Establishment: His suggestion triggered widespread opposition from within the cricket board and team management, leading to his resignation.
- Babar’s Lean Patch: The former captain has scored only 66 runs in three matches, raising questions about his place in the side.
- Team Management Frustration: Reports suggest Pakistan management has grown increasingly frustrated with Babar’s lack of impact in crucial matches.
- Public Debate: Fans and former players remain divided, with some calling for patience and others demanding accountability.
Comparative Analysis: Babar Azam’s Current Form vs Past Performance
| Tournament/Series | Matches | Runs Scored | Average | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T20 World Cup 2026 | 3 | 66 | 22.0 | Struggling |
| Asia Cup 2025 | 5 | 180 | 36.0 | Moderate |
| ICC ODI World Cup 2023 | 9 | 320 | 35.5 | Consistent |
| Career T20I Stats | 100+ | 3,500+ | 40+ | Established star |
Why the Suggestion Sparked Controversy
- Star Status: Babar Azam is widely regarded as Pakistan’s premier batter and former captain, making any suggestion to drop him highly sensitive.
- Fan Sentiment: Millions of fans view Babar as the face of Pakistan cricket, and criticism often triggers emotional backlash.
- Team Politics: Internal divisions within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and team management magnify controversies.
- Performance Pressure: Pakistan’s defeat to India in the T20 World Cup intensified scrutiny on senior players.
Broader Implications
- Leadership Crisis: Frequent captaincy changes and management disputes weaken team stability.
- Player Confidence: Public debates about dropping star players can affect morale.
- Institutional Transparency: The resignation highlights the lack of open dialogue within Pakistan cricket’s decision-making process.
- Global Image: Such controversies dent Pakistan’s reputation as a competitive cricketing nation.
Analytical Perspective
The revelation underscores the fragile state of Pakistan cricket governance, where constructive criticism is often met with hostility. While the suggestion to rest Babar Azam was based on form and tactical balance, the backlash reflects the cult of personality around star players in Pakistan.
For Pakistan to move forward, the cricket board must balance respect for senior players with accountability and performance-based decisions. Babar’s lean patch is not unusual for top athletes, but the team’s inability to manage such phases without internal conflict reveals systemic weaknesses.
Disclaimer
This article is a synthesized news analysis based on publicly available reports and interviews. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not represent official statements from the Pakistan Cricket Board or individual players. Readers are advised to follow verified cricket sources for formal updates on team management decisions.
