Younis Khan criticizes Babar Azam for prioritizing personal gains
What's the story
Former Pakistan cricket team captain, Younis Khan, has criticized Babar Azam and other players for prioritizing personal gains over team objectives. This criticism comes amid Azam's recent underperformance as a batter and leader. He has not scored a half-century in his last 16 Test innings, leading to widespread criticism from former players including Khan. Here are further details.
Team performance
Khan highlights team's recent failures
Khan expressed his disappointment at the team's recent inability to secure victories. He stated that Azam and other top players talk more than they perform. "If Babar and other top players deliver on the field, then results will be clear to everyone," Khan told Cricket Pakistan at an event. He added, "Humare players khelte kam, bolte zyada hai" (Our players tend to talk more than they perform).
Role model
Khan urges Azam to learn from Kohli
Khan also advised Azam to take a leaf out of Indian cricketer Virat Kohli's book, who stepped down from captaincy to concentrate more on his batting. He said, "Look at Virat Kohli. He chose to step down from captaincy on his own terms, and now he's breaking records worldwide." Khan emphasized that playing for the country should be the priority over individual achievements.
Leadership advice
Khan's advice to Azam amid leadership changes
Khan further advised Azam to focus on his cricket and improve his performance. He reminded him that he was made captain because he was the best player at the time. "Your focus should be on cricket," Khan said, adding that players should use social media wisely but their real answers should come through their performances with bat and ball.
PCB's position
PCB's stance on captaincy changes
Despite recent poor performances across formats, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has been advised by head coaches Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie not to hastily change captains. A PCB source told PTI that recent media speculations about Shan Masood and Azam's sacking is nothing more than kite flying. "There has been no discussion on changing the captains as the PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi has left it up to the two coaches and selectors to decide on the captaincy," he said.