[EXCLUSIVE] "Babar Azam should leave captaincy": Rashid Latif

[The Bald Eagle]

Over the past year, Pakistan's men's cricket team has been exposed across all three formats. They were knocked out in the group stages of both the ODI and T20 World Cups, suffering losses to Afghanistan and the USA respectively. Additionally, they were whitewashed at home in a Test series against Bangladesh. This period is arguably one of the lowest points in Pakistan's cricket history.

To discuss where Pakistan cricket is going wrong, Saj is joined by former Pakistan captain, Rashid Latif. The former Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter also shares his thoughts on the ongoing Champions Cup in Faisalabad, Babar Azam's dip in form, and much more.

Highlights of the interview include:

1. His views on Babar Azam's dip in form
2. Pakistan's Test series defeat and how Pakistan cricket can be resurrected
3. Importance of finger spinners in Test cricket
4. Why, in his view, gym training is hurting Pakistan pacers

 

[Cricket Warrior]

I dont think a spinning track would have saved Pakistan either as Bangladesh is known for their spin attack and they play in these conditions on their home ground through out the year... so i think spin friendly wicket could have easily led Pakistan to an innings defeat against them.

 

[BouncerGuy]

I agree with Rashid about Babar Azam. He should stay away from captaincy. He is attracting too much hate for that irrelevant thing. Leave captaincy and focus on what he can do best and that is to bat and work hard for Pakistan.

Finger spinners?? Well, Pakistan has not got many. Even if Pakistan makes spin-friendly tracks, it might not much difference because Pakistan is so bad in each format atm. Recovery will take time.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Babar should rightly be relieved of the burden of captaincy as it is taking a toll on his performances. Infact not only captaincy but too much limelight is hurting him too.

On PCB being in ICU, this is what actually happens when a patient is treated by a quack surgeon rather than a qualified doctor.

 

[pakistani pride]

Babar should rightly be relieved of the burden of captaincy as it is taking a toll on his performances. Infact not only captaincy but too much limelight is hurting him too.

On PCB being in ICU, this is what actually happens when a patient is treated by a quack surgeon rather than a qualified doctor.

Forget everything, Babar first need to sort out his fitness, it is pathetic.

 

[Deewana Mastana]

Forget everything, Babar first need to sort out his fitness, it is pathetic.

Fitness is not even on anyone's priority list.

 

[Shafi]

Pakistan team is finished unfortunately. This team will be beaten by other teams including associate teams regularly. There is no talent at all. It will get worse with time.

 

[Saj]

I've been saying this for a long time - too many Pakistani players prioritise captaincy over everything else.

Babar needs to focus on his batting and form and forget about captaincy for the time being.

I don't think captaincy is for him. He is a fine batter who does not need to be captain to prove his value to the team.

I really don't get this obsession from Pakistani players about wanting to be captain.

 

[Deewana Mastana]

I've been saying this for a long time - too many Pakistani players prioritise captaincy over everything else.

Babar needs to focus on his batting and form and forget about captaincy for the time being.

I don't think captaincy is for him. He is a fine batter who does not need to be captain to prove his value to the team.

I really don't get this obsession from Pakistani players about wanting to be captain.

This obsession is taking the entire cricket down.

 

[pakistani pride]

Fitness is not even on anyone's priority list.

So that is the whole issue, even a working person can maintain decent fitness level/ body shape. These guys are paid professionals and still are unfit.

 

[BouncerGuy]

The whole world is screaming that Babr should get out of this captaincy race and focus on his primary role which is batting but Babar is not hearing a world. PCB has no brain so to tell them something is a no-brainer.

Babar should think about this sensibly and leave this race behind. His form with the bat is more important because we know, he is not a captaincy material.

 

[Shafi]

As expected Naqvi is just a puppet and don't have any say to these players. Don't expect ICC will choose captain and players if PCB can't. So its up to Babar and co to decide whether the want to play or not.

 

[Saj]

Captaincy becomes a matter of pride for Pakistani players.

It's almost like they can't give it up as it will make them lose face.

Their mindset seems to be, to hell with my performances or career, as long as I am captain that's all that matters.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Rashid Latif, Pakistan's former captain, shared his thoughts on a YouTube podcast:

“Pakistan cricket is currently in the ICU. They will need a professional doctor. They need technically sound professionals to run things, both physically and financially. Trainers and many other things are required. You can see there are many problems, whether it’s on the field or off the field.”

“We need to remember that he (Babar) was removed forcefully as captain. When the mind is not functioning correctly, it affects the nerves as well. You try to play hard on every ball. He should let go of the idea of being a captain and focus on freeing himself from mental pressure.”

“The issue seems to be more about mental stress than technical performance, and it’s apparent that he is struggling to cope with a significant amount of mental pressure.”

 

[ask_analyse_act]

I've been saying this for a long time - too many Pakistani players prioritise captaincy over everything else.

Babar needs to focus on his batting and form and forget about captaincy for the time being.

I don't think captaincy is for him. He is a fine batter who does not need to be captain to prove his value to the team.

I really don't get this obsession from Pakistani players about wanting to be captain.

may be Imran khan fascination is making them to daydream...

 

[ask_analyse_act]

Captaincy becomes a matter of pride for Pakistani players.

It's almost like they can't give it up as it will make them lose face.

Their mindset seems to be, to hell with my performances or career, as long as I am captain that's all that matters.

even in the past when Wasim was made captain... Everyone wants a piece to be the captain...
Aamir, Ramiz, Malik , Waqar , Moin and Rashid.. all of them were running at it when clearly Wasim was the best captain that time with an eye for talent.. Until Inzi became captain and the rest retired , it was keep going one after the other..

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Rashid Latif, Pakistan's former captain, shared his thoughts on a YouTube podcast:

“Pakistan cricket is currently in the ICU. They will need a professional doctor. They need technically sound professionals to run things, both physically and financially. Trainers and many other things are required. You can see there are many problems, whether it’s on the field or off the field.”

“We need to remember that he (Babar) was removed forcefully as captain. When the mind is not functioning correctly, it affects the nerves as well. You try to play hard on every ball. He should let go of the idea of being a captain and focus on freeing himself from mental pressure.”

“The issue seems to be more about mental stress than technical performance, and it’s apparent that he is struggling to cope with a significant amount of mental pressure.”

Sorry but it's difficult to get the team off the ventilator as long as guys like Kamran Ghulam would be irrationally ignored.

 

[gazza619]

As expected Naqvi is just a puppet and don't have any say to these players. Don't expect ICC will choose captain and players if PCB can't. So its up to Babar and co to decide whether the want to play or not.

Whose puppet is Naqvi?

 

[Saj]

even in the past when Wasim was made captain... Everyone wants a piece to be the captain...
Aamir, Ramiz, Malik , Waqar , Moin and Rashid.. all of them were running at it when clearly Wasim was the best captain that time with an eye for talent.. Until Inzi became captain and the rest retired , it was keep going one after the other..

Yes I can't think of any international cricket team where captaincy is fought over so much.

Captaincy is an obsession for too many Pakistani players.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Finally Babar has listened to the sound advice of Rashid Latif. Hopefully, this would turn out to be good for him and the team.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Don’t give hosting rights to Pakistan in future if India refuses to travel for the Champions Trophy

As per the International Cricket Council (ICC) guidelines, all teams are required to participate in ICC events hosted by any member nation. This is not new. Pakistan recently travelled to India for the 2016 T20 World Cup and, more recently, for the 2023 ODI World Cup. Last year, the then Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Najam Sethi consulted the Pakistan government, and when the ICC cleared the security situation, the team was given the green light to play in the ODI World Cup. The big question isn’t why India is refusing to come to Pakistan but on what grounds is it unwilling to play in Pakistan. I feel the PCB’s questioning of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is completely valid.

This is not a bilateral tournament. If India doesn’t come, it should face consequences. I can’t speak on behalf of the PCB, but I believe that moving forward, the ICC should refrain from awarding Pakistan hosting rights if this is the outcome. The PCB should also take a firm stand if India refuses to play in the Champions Trophy. My issue is with the ICC. If India was never going to travel to Pakistan, why did it award Pakistan the hosting rights for the Champions Trophy? Pakistan now has the upper hand because it has travelled twice recently for ICC events, while the BCCI is in a difficult position. If security were a concern, then the ICC should make that determination. If other nations consider the security adequate, then I don’t see India’s problem. This appears to be politically motivated, especially given that some state elections are coming up in India.

My main concern is the divide this scenario is creating between the younger generations. It is already significant. Tensions between the two countries have always existed, but India and Pakistan have played bilateral cricket in the past. I remember the 1978-79 series when India came to Pakistan. Sunil Gavaskar scored brilliant centuries in both innings and despite his extraordinary effort, India lost the Karachi Test by eight wickets, losing the series 2-0. In that series, the legendary Kapil Dev made his debut in Faisalabad. The current generation on both sides of the border would relish seeing Virat Kohli and Babar Azam playing Test cricket in Delhi and Lahore.

The ICC is the only entity benefiting from this divide, profiting from India and Pakistan matches in the UK, Australia, and now the US, claiming that it’s to grow the sport’s popularity. But what about the fans in India and Pakistan who can’t afford to travel abroad? Don’t they deserve to watch these matches in their home cities?

India-Pakistan cricket is like a theatre. I can only appeal to the Indian cricket board to allow India to come and play. There may always be political tensions between our countries, and it affects both sides, but please, let cricket be something that can bridge the divide. If you look back, whenever there was a bilateral series between the two nations, leaders in New Delhi and Islamabad would come together at the time. Be it Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Nawaz Sharif, or Manmohan Singh, they didn’t interfere with cricket, seeing it as an opportunity to unite people. Now, electoral politics has taken centre stage in both countries, and anti-India or anti-Pakistan sentiments have turned into votes.

I have heard comments that the ICC is indirectly controlled by the BCCI. I don’t believe in this notion. It’s actually the broadcasters who dictate terms. They want to cash in on the hype, which is why India and Pakistan are placed in the same group in every ICC event.

The PCB should make a strong case that they will also boycott ICC events hosted in India if India refuses to travel to Pakistan. India is set to host at least three or four ICC events (both men’s and women’s) in the next seven years. These are significant events, and Pakistan should use this leverage to ensure that if India doesn’t travel to Pakistan, it would likewise boycott events in India.

Backdoor diplomacy may be a final option, but for now, the ball is in the ICC’s court. There is no reason why India shouldn’t travel to Pakistan. But if the team doesn’t, as I mentioned earlier, the ICC should no longer award hosting rights to Pakistan.

SOURCE https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-pakistan-icc-champions-trophy-9672681/

 

[FearlessRoar]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1862423460980371772

 

[BouncerGuy]

Sure why not. PCB should definitely be working for the betterment at grassroots level.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1870682947138814313

 

[FearlessRoar]

Rashid Latif blames Inzamam for controversial Kapali catch in Multan Test​

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif, regarded as one of the finest wicketkeepers of his time, has put the blame squarely on his deputy, Inzamam-ul-Haq, regarding the controversial caught-behind appeal against Bangladesh in the historic Multan Test in 2003.

Speaking to Bangladeshi journalists over phone, Rashid spoke what ail both country's cricket and ways to look forward, but he also spoke elaborately on that issue of the caught-behind appeal against Alok Kapali, which eventually earned him a five-match suspension.

Despite the ball appearing to have touched the ground, Latif claimed the catch. The decision stood, and Kapali was given out, but the moment would come back to haunt him. Inzamam would go on to play a match-winning innings -- an unbeaten 138 off 232 balls -- guiding Pakistan to a dramatic one-wicket victory and denying Bangladesh their maiden Test win.

Now, more than two decades later, Latif reveals that he wanted to overturn the decision and allow Kapali to continue his innings, but Inzamam, then his deputy, refused.

"Yes, after I took the catch, I asked 'Inzi bhai, can we bring him back?' But he said, 'No, no, no.'"

Looking back, Latif regrets how it all unfolded. "Definitely, I regret what I did. But I also blame him (Inzamam)."

Latif had subsequently received a five-match ODI ban for violating the code of conduct. Though he returned briefly, his international career never recovered.

"After that, I had a five-match ban, and then I played five matches. But by that time, Inzamam had become captain, and my career was over," he said with a chuckle.

Rashid Latif blames Inzamam for controversial Kapali catch in Multan Test

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif, regarded as one of the finest wicketkeepers of his time, has put the blame squarely on his deputy, Inzamam-ul-Haq, regarding the controversial caught-behind appeal against Bangladesh in the historic Multan Test in 2003.

www.thedailystar.net

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Rashid Latif links 'instability' in Pakistan and Bangladesh cricket in a recent interview:

"Very disappointed. We are hosting a big event after 29 years," Latif told Bangladeshi journalists over phone.

"We have issues with selection, and the higher authorities make too many changes in five years. There have been 26 selectors in four years, and frequent changes in the chairman's position as well. That's why we can't find stability.

"I think it's the same issue for Bangladesh as for Pakistan. The thought process behind cricket is very important. I don't know who is running the board, but politicians are also involved in Bangladesh, just like in Pakistan,"

"Bangladesh and Pakistan need professionals. Even the cricketers themselves aren't professionals."

"Bangladesh have made a gear shift towards fast bowlers. It's a positive change, just as Pakistan and West Indies did previously. Their pacers – Nahid [Rana], Taskin [Ahmed], and [Tanzim] Sakib -- are very good, and I think they can play much better cricket in the future."

"the best bowler in the world in a year.

"Rishad is very sharp… He should play in Test matches as well."

 

[zaidihusain]

Rashid Latif links 'instability' in Pakistan and Bangladesh cricket in a recent interview:

"Very disappointed. We are hosting a big event after 29 years," Latif told Bangladeshi journalists over phone.

"We have issues with selection, and the higher authorities make too many changes in five years. There have been 26 selectors in four years, and frequent changes in the chairman's position as well. That's why we can't find stability.

"I think it's the same issue for Bangladesh as for Pakistan. The thought process behind cricket is very important. I don't know who is running the board, but politicians are also involved in Bangladesh, just like in Pakistan,"

"Bangladesh and Pakistan need professionals. Even the cricketers themselves aren't professionals."

"Bangladesh have made a gear shift towards fast bowlers. It's a positive change, just as Pakistan and West Indies did previously. Their pacers – Nahid [Rana], Taskin [Ahmed], and [Tanzim] Sakib -- are very good, and I think they can play much better cricket in the future."

"the best bowler in the world in a year.

"Rishad is very sharp… He should play in Test matches as well."

Rashid Latif remembers that there have been 26 selectors in 4 years but he doesn't have audicity to name those 6 players who are consistently playing since last 8 years and have failed on every occasion. PCB has been consistent at least in retaining those 6 players but those players will never accept their failure

 

[Rana]

Rashid Latif remembers that there have been 26 selectors in 4 years but he doesn't have audicity to name those 6 players who are consistently playing since last 8 years and have failed on every occasion. PCB has been consistent at least in retaining those 6 players but those players will never accept their failure

Rashid Latif has played his role in destroying Pakistan cricket too.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Rashid reiterating the key to success for Babar Azam

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[Rana]

Rashid reiterating the key to success for Babar Azam

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“We told our boys from Saya to stop messing around or the scam will be over before you know it!”

 

[topspin]

“We told our boys from Saya to stop messing around or the scam will be over before you know it!”

Where does Rashid Latif stand when it comes to Rizbar?

 

[Rana]

Where does Rashid Latif stand when it comes to Rizbar?

They lay the groundwork for RizBar agenda in a apparently “intellectual” way.

They act like Nasser Hussain and Micheal Atherton of Pakistan. It’s usually those two who set the agenda of what should be viewed as right and what should be viewed as wrong for the ‘educated’ Pakistan fans.

They were the ones who tried to deflect the entire RizBar crap strike rates as opener’s issue by blaming it on the PCB’s surrogate companies deal…claiming RizBar are heroes for telling the PCB to cancel their deals with surrogate betting companies, and the PCB is now doing a witch hunt against those two…

They also have no issue with Saya doing their business and the way they do their business with Pakistan players…this cannot be a coincidence right?

 

[topspin]

I watched Damien Martyn. He was miles ahead of Babar.

 

[Rana]

I watched Damien Martyn. He was miles ahead of Babar.

In that era, the top 3 elites were Ponting, Lara and Tendulkar…although you would probably argue Ponting was the most clutch out of the three.

The next tier of greats was Kallis, Dravid, Inzimam and dare I say it…Martyn.

A slight tier below is Ganguly (although Indians would probably rate him above Inzimam in white ball), Let’s not forget Yousuf as well.

Then you had the Sarwans and Chanderpauls, Mahela, Sangakara who later took off and became cricketing elite!

Which batter out of all of these names is Babar honestly better than? This is just one era of legends. Think about the greats that have passed before this era…

 

[topspin]

In that era, the top 3 elites were Ponting, Lara and Tendulkar…although you would probably argue Ponting was the most clutch out of the three.

The next tier of greats was Kallis, Dravid, Inzimam and dare I say it…Martyn.

A slight tier below is Ganguly (although Indians would probably rate him above Inzimam in white ball), Let’s not forget Yousuf as well.

Then you had the Sarwans and Chanderpauls, Mahela, Sangakara who later took off and became cricketing elite!

Which batter out of all of these names is Babar honestly better than? This is just one era of legends. Think about the greats that have passed before this era…

How then can these guys Rashid Latif and Nauman Niaz try to normalise the thought of Babar being in the same caliber of these names?

Having watched cricket since 2000, you are spot on with the tier lists.

When it comes to output, Babar Azam is on the level of someone like Temba Bavuma in tests and Shai Hope in ODIs.

 

[Rana]

Having watched cricket since 2000, you are spot on with the tier lists.

When it comes to output, Babar Azam is on the level of someone like Temba Bavuma in tests and Shai Hope in ODIs.

Temba is probably a better Test and ODI batter than Babar in current form. He’s definitely more equipped to play T20 better than Babar too.

Babar seems like an over glorified Wesley Madhavere

 

[BouncerGuy]

Please stay on topic

 

[mominsaigol]

In that era, the top 3 elites were Ponting, Lara and Tendulkar…although you would probably argue Ponting was the most clutch out of the three.

The next tier of greats was Kallis, Dravid, Inzimam and dare I say it…Martyn.

A slight tier below is Ganguly (although Indians would probably rate him above Inzimam in white ball), Let’s not forget Yousuf as well.

Then you had the Sarwans and Chanderpauls, Mahela, Sangakara who later took off and became cricketing elite!

Which batter out of all of these names is Babar honestly better than? This is just one era of legends. Think about the greats that have passed before this era…

How then can these guys Rashid Latif and Nauman Niaz try to normalise the thought of Babar being in the same caliber of these names?

Everyone in the aussie team from 1996 to 2007 is >>>>>> Babar Azam.

1) Mattew Hayden : Classy opener
2) Gilchrist: Changed the very landscape of Wicketkeeping batters.
3) Ponting: Australia's greatest ever Odi player
4) Martyn: A touch > Inzi in odi but a touch below inzi in test
5) Micheal Clarke: He wasn't the best but he's > Babar that's for sure even if he was overrated in odi and test cricket. He was essentially what misbah should have been, Aka a stable batter who keeps on par with RR.
6) Shane Watson: Gun allrounder, even as a pure batter alone he's > Bobby
7) Waugh: in terms of test batting it's not a competiton, in odi batting though It's debatable although waugh faced much much tougher bowlers then Babar did
8) Andrew Symonds: Classy player
9) Micheal Hussey: honestly he was ahead of his era. Freak of nature


Then you have many that came before like Dean Jones, and many that came after like David Warner, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Inglis etc etc.

Australia has produced atleast 30 to 50 players in their entire cricketing lifespan that are better then Babar azam as a batsmen.

The truth is if Babar was in Australia he wouldn't even make it over Usman Khawaja. Khawaja's 40 avg in odi is seen as pathetic because his strike rate is too low and doesn't reflect aussie style of batting.

While someone like khawaja would basically be Pakistan's top star and top opener for decades.

 

[topspin]

Everyone in the aussie team from 1996 to 2007 is >>>>>> Babar Azam.

1) Mattew Hayden : Classy opener
2) Gilchrist: Changed the very landscape of Wicketkeeping batters.
3) Ponting: Australia's greatest ever Odi player
4) Martyn: A touch > Inzi in odi but a touch below inzi in test
5) Micheal Clarke: He wasn't the best but he's > Babar that's for sure even if he was overrated in odi and test cricket. He was essentially what misbah should have been, Aka a stable batter who keeps on par with RR.
6) Shane Watson: Gun allrounder, even as a pure batter alone he's > Bobby
7) Waugh: in terms of test batting it's not a competiton, in odi batting though It's debatable although waugh faced much much tougher bowlers then Babar did
8) Andrew Symonds: Classy player
9) Micheal Hussey: honestly he was ahead of his era. Freak of nature


Then you have many that came before like Dean Jones, and many that came after like David Warner, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Inglis etc etc.

Australia has produced atleast 30 to 50 players in their entire cricketing lifespan that are better then Babar azam as a batsmen.

The truth is if Babar was in Australia he wouldn't even make it over Usman Khawaja. Khawaja's 40 avg in odi is seen as pathetic because his strike rate is too low and doesn't reflect aussie style of batting.

While someone like khawaja would basically be Pakistan's top star and top opener for decades.

I asked one of Babar’s biggest cheerleaders on who’s superior out of Khawaja and Babar, but he continues to dodge the question like a coward.

 

[mominsaigol]

I asked one of Babar’s biggest cheerleaders on who’s superior out of Khawaja and Babar, but he continues to dodge the question like a coward.

Khawaja avg 105 in pakistan during ramiz phatta era despite barely playing in pakistan. Meanwhile babar avg 70 despite curating the pitch to his liking and it being his home den.

In odi despite barely playing any international games, he has 2 sweet 100's against india and this came in 2019 with bumrah included. Both came at a strike rate of 110 as well.

However the issue was that David Warner and finch use to open and Khawaja couldn't replace them, Khawaja was the 3rd option. And afterwards Travis Head replaced Finch.

Once Warner retired, Khawaja was already 38 so Aus doesn't see a point in bringing him back.

That's why he never had an odi career cause his competition was Warner, Finch and Travis Head. Any other country except maybe India, he'd be a front line starter as an opener.

 

[Bhaijaan]

I watched Damien Martyn. He was miles ahead of Babar.

Top player actually.
Babar showed promise early in his career, his reputation was more based on his potential but now it seems like he’s reached his ceiling already.

 

[topspin]

Top player actually.
Babar showed promise early in his career, his reputation was more based on his potential but now it seems like he’s reached his ceiling already.

His career was in the ascendancy during the Mickey Arthur era. Captaincy and Misbah ruined him after the 2019 WC (when he peaked for Pakistan).

 

[topspin]

Khawaja avg 105 in pakistan during ramiz phatta era despite barely playing in pakistan. Meanwhile babar avg 70 despite curating the pitch to his liking and it being his home den.

In odi despite barely playing any international games, he has 2 sweet 100's against india and this came in 2019 with bumrah included. Both came at a strike rate of 110 as well.

However the issue was that David Warner and finch use to open and Khawaja couldn't replace them, Khawaja was the 3rd option. And afterwards Travis Head replaced Finch.

Once Warner retired, Khawaja was already 38 so Aus doesn't see a point in bringing him back.

That's why he never had an odi career cause his competition was Warner, Finch and Travis Head. Any other country except maybe India, he'd be a front line starter as an opener.

Khawaja isn’t good enough to make Australia’s white ball team, but he would walk into Pakistan’s ODI and T20I sides with his eyes closed.

 

[Bhaijaan]

His career was in the ascendancy during the Mickey Arthur era. Captaincy and Misbah ruined him after the 2019 WC (when he peaked for Pakistan).

I think playing all these useless Zimbabwe, WI, Sri Lanka kind of series hurt his growth as a batsman. He was improving when he was batting in English, Aussie, South African conditions.

 

[mominsaigol]

His career was in the ascendancy during the Mickey Arthur era. Captaincy and Misbah ruined him after the 2019 WC (when he peaked for Pakistan).

Tbf I think he ruined himself. I don't think Misbah ruined him, hear me out.

Misbah ruined the likes of Fakhar, Tried to ruin saim, ruined sarfraz, Imad and many other batters to forward his SNGPL agenda.

Otherwise Babar even before misbah use to open with fakhar, bat at no 3 in odi and bat at no 4 in test cricket.

Infact players like chacha performed better during misbah era due to the cheap tactics misbah would employ.

For example against Australia, Chacha was sent up the order but zampa came along and got rid of chacha. Misbah realised chacha is useless vs wristspin so he decided to wait for zampa's spell to end in the next game and being chacha onto to statpad and go not out.

This is why chacha avg 37 in t20 against Australia and why his zero iq fans use this argument not realising that I watched both games live .

Misbah pushed Babar and Rizwan the most, their was no reason for these 2 to fail. However rizwan was always limited and would just never work as a whiteball batsmen.

Babar on the other hand did reasonably well during Misbah's era. He averaged 68 and 67 in test cricket during misbah's reign and this was before ramiz raja phatta era. Then in odi he avg 60 and 110 during Misbah's run, granted he only played like 5 to 6 pdi games under misbah.

And in t20 cricket he avg 55 with a sr of 144 under misbah.

Babar was actually at his best under both mickey and Misbah, they both gave him a massive push.

Then in 2021 he had a decent tournament run. Problem came in 2022, he grew fatter, the pressure of captaincy got to him, his reactions slowed down likely due to lack of fitness and as more footage became available, sides quickly caught on to his limited spin play.

The only way Misbah ruined him was via captaincy, but his batting was effected by captaincy only in 2022, he was always a rubbish whiteball captain just like misbah was.

 

[mominsaigol]

I think playing all these useless Zimbabwe, WI, Sri Lanka kind of series hurt his growth as a batsman. He was improving when he was batting in English, Aussie, South African conditions.

It has nothing to do with that. He grew fat and unfit, plain and simple.

Look at his year by year comparisons and you will see his weight increase year by year.

That's the truth plain and simple. He has sluggish reactions.

In his prime he was always poor against spin and lacked lofted stroke play but he still had quick reactions against pace.

This cake culture ruined Pakistan. All these boys are unfit.

Abdullah has gained weight, Imam is a baloon, Babar and rizwan are noticeable heavier, tayyab isn't an athlete, shaheen and naseem don't even have the stamina or discipline to bowl 2 to 3 overs properly, Rauf Is aging and gaining weight.

End of story. Lack of fitness + lack of work ethics + lack of culture. All of it has prevented them from developing their game + changing their cricketing views.