Recently, Pakistan’s cricket selectors took a risk by deciding not to include star player Babar Azam in the next Test matches against England. The choice generated discussion and criticism, and former Pakistani batsman Ramiz Raja expressed his disapproval.
Pakistan’s recent Test cricket setbacks prompted the declaration. The team has dropped three of their last six home Test matches. Once regarded as the mainstay of Pakistan’s batting order, Azam has been playing poorly lately. Since the start of 2023, the 30-year-old has not scored a half-century in the last 17 innings and has averaged less than 21 in nine Test matches.
The selectors chose to leave out pacers Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah for the following two Test matches in addition to Babar after Pakistan lost by innings in the first Test at Multan. In an interview with Sky Sports Cricket, Raja voiced his worries on the decision-making procedure.
“Whether Babar wanted to be removed from the playing XI or not, it should have been his decision. The general consensus was that he needed rest, so he was removed from the squad entirely. I believe it was a snap decision,” he stated.
Pakistan’s cricket is sold by Babar Azam: Ramiz Raja
On and off the field, Raja stressed the value of the star batter. The former expressed his worries about the current Pakistani team’s lack of star power and mentioned that Babar can draw spectators to the stadiums.
He sells cricket for Pakistan, and the current controversy in Pakistan about whether Babar Azam will succeed again or make a comeback keeps things intriguing. Since no true superstars are playing in this Test match right now and Pakistan has been losing, I don’t see any marketable commodities in this Pakistani team right now,” he continued. Sponsors are also a little cautious.
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In support of its judgment, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said that the players were left off the team to recuperate so they could return to play. Nevertheless, the criticism over Babar’s omission has not been alleviated by this explanation.
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