When asked why he had remained silent about Pakistan cricket’s ongoing problems, Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam responded angrily to a media ahead of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025.
Following a run of poor results, Pakistani cricket has been less visible in recent months. After losing to both India and New Zealand, the team was unable to go past the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 group round. In addition, the Black Caps defeated them 1-4 in the T20I series and 0-3 in the ODI sweep. These outcomes came after a home tri-series campaign that didn’t work out.
“Maujooda team performances jo chal rahe hain, kis din aap kuch bolenge?” a journalist asked the star batter during the pre-tournament press conference. Is the Pakistani team doing well? “Khatam ho jaayegi, tab aap bolenge, kya ho raha hai, kya nahin ho raha hai.” (Considering the team’s recent performances, when will you speak up? Will you wait till the team is finished one day before speaking and enquiring about what is and is not occurring on the Pakistani team?
Babar Azam immediately responded to the statement, demonstrating that he does not express himself in public. He made the point that he doesn’t need to appear in a public setting in order to voice his opinions; he does so whenever and whenever it is necessary. It’s interesting that fellow captain Mohammad Rizwan discussed Pakistan cricket openly.
“Waha main bolta hu, jaha mujhe bolna hoga.” Aur main media pe baithke nahi bolunga ki kya karna chahiye. Main kamre ke andar bol deta hu mujhe jaha jo bolna hota hain. Ye meri work nahi hain, ye honi chahiye ki social media me ye pitunga ki dhindora nahi. (I speak when it is necessary. Furthermore, I refuse to sit in the media and dictate what ought to be done. I speak inside the room when I have something to say. It’s not my duty to come here and make a big issue about what ought to happen on social media.
This is the video:
Question: Will you speak on the current performance when the team is finished?
Babar Azam: I speak when I need to. Main yahan a kar dheendora nahi peetunga pic.twitter.com/sH8VZm7UiX
— junaiz (@dhillow_) April 10, 2025