Why is Mohammad Rizwan being criticized more than Babar Azam in T20 World Cup 2022?

[DandyFellow]

I have noticed that most of the threads and PP Members are against Rizwan but Babar has been getting a free rope. But if we look at t20 performances, Babar is having an awful 2022. Poor Asia Cup poor world cup. The average inflated by one 100. Poor strike rate. Selfish knocks. Just because he is stylish does not mean we give him a free rope in T20s.
Rizwan has been poor this World Cup and needs to improve offside game but isn't he being thrashed for his as well as Babar's poor performances.

 

[hamzie]

i dont think thats true at all
more are going after babar

 

[Suleiman]

I agree. Babar had been even worse. And he’s more to blame because he’s captain and signed off on an in form Harris, Shadab and Iftikhar being demoted in favor of a lost and low confidence Nawaz and lost + undeserving Shan.

He’s demoting the performers when it’s he who needs to be demoted down the order. He’s the captain, it’s his decision on who bats where. He’s far more in the wrong than Rizwan.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

I think Babar I'd the bigger liability and been targeted due to his supposed world beating quality which has.. passed

 

[alone1213]

Rizwan has been terrible but he has scored some runs atleast and he doesn't deserve to open the innings after this horrific tournament but he has been better than babar
.
Babar should be sacked from the captaincy and he should be kicked d out from the team

He is the worst player in this tournament and the worst captain by far in the tournament.

He has way too much power in the selection matters and all.

He is destroying Pakistan cricket.

 

[Asif321]

Both have crap and will find ways to make you lose easy games . Had it not been Harris today . Pakistan would be losing

 

[Rana]

Because Rizwan puts himself forward as the target.

-He loves the camera and attention
-He is very happy to be used by the management as the official spokesperson
-His game delaying tactics and theatrics are unbearable!

*He purposely makes himself available for every pointless game so he can maintain his ranking!
+He kept out a superstar potential player like Harris so that he can stay in the limelight and Harry doesn’t steal his attention!

 

[Rana]

Babar is an absolute snake for destroying the careers of proper T20 openers, but he does gets away with a lot of heat because of his introverted nature. The guy doesn’t like to be in the focal point of the camera but has to be because he is the best batsman and captain

Rizwan forces attention onto himself through very carefully planned PR Stunts

You want to be the man Rizzy?? Why are your fans crying about the criticism you receive for it!!

 

[ElRaja]

both have been rubbish, but one diff is babar is woefully out of form, rizwan is playing at his regular level, but gets found out at the highest stage because he is so massively leg side dominant.

 

[TheSultan]

both have been rubbish, but one diff is babar is woefully out of form, rizwan is playing at his regular level, but gets found out at the highest stage because he is so massively leg side dominant.

This is the point. Babar people can put down to bad form, but Riz there’s deficiency there. And also if someone is outn of form, the other guy needs to stand up and make up for him by taking some risks. This is what partnerships are all about.

the one not out of form should show some intent

 

[Mamoon]

Because Babar is the golden boy of Pakistan cricket and our delusional fans, media etc. have forcefully branded him as the heir to Kohli which is a complete joke.

As a result, he is untouchable and it is a crime to criticize him.
[MENTION=43051]Mobashir[/MENTION] thoughts?

 

[DandyFellow]

Because Rizwan puts himself forward as the target.


-He loves the camera and attention
-He is very happy to be used by the management as the official spokesperson
-His game delaying tactics and theatrics are unbearable!

*He purposely makes himself available for every pointless game so he can maintain his ranking!
+He kept out a superstar potential player like Harris so that he can stay in the limelight and Harry doesn’t steal his attention!

So is it because Babar is likable being a nice guy looks and bats stylishly?
And Rizwan is not a likable guy now and looks ugly on the eye when batting?

Babar is the captain so you should be criticizing him for not playing Haris. Also Babar decides the playing XI. If Babar had been performing better than Rizwan, Haris would have opened with Babar but issue is Babar has been performing even worse. And Babar does not want to bat one down. And due to all that we still might see them together in the semi final.

I think a lot of Babar's mistakes and selfishness is being scapegoated on Rizwan. It is easier because you can always boot out who you do not.

Also if Babar tells Rizwan that you need to attack from ball go even if you get out early he will need to do that. But guess what how can he do that when he does not attack and statpads in useless bilaterals.

 

[Falcon'sParwaz]

Rizwan is the one who started this tuk tuk approach.
Babar also followed him.
OR
Before Rizwan's promotion, Babar had an aggressive partner in Fakhar Zaman who somehow masked Babar's inabilities.
Now with Rizwan's promotion, tuk-tuk approach came to the fore.

That's why Rizwan gets more criticism than Babar.

 

[DandyFellow]

Also when you are out of form like Kohli was you get out early but do not play match losing innings. Babar Azam has been doing that too. Getting out early is better than what he has been doing.

 

[Rana]

So is it because Babar is likable being a nice guy looks and bats stylishly?
And Rizwan is not a likable guy now and looks ugly on the eye when batting?

Babar is the captain so you should be criticizing him for not playing Haris. Also Babar decides the playing XI. If Babar had been performing better than Rizwan, Haris would have opened with Babar but issue is Babar has been performing even worse. And Babar does not want to bat one down. And due to all that we still might see them together in the semi final.

I think a lot of Babar's mistakes and selfishness is being scapegoated on Rizwan. It is easier because you can always boot out who you do not.

Also if Babar tells Rizwan that you need to attack from ball go even if you get out early he will need to do that. But guess what how can he do that when he does not attack and statpads in useless bilaterals.

I’m just telling yo the honest answer

If you want to be this global superstar due to some 50s against B/C string sides in pointless bilaterals…then you will be the one who people come after if things doing go the way you think they should be going.

Rizwan craves attention, Babar does not.

 

[Colorblind Genius]

I’m just telling yo the honest answer

If you want to be this global superstar due to some 50s against B/C string sides in pointless bilaterals…then you will be the one who people come after if things doing go the way you think they should be going.

Rizwan craves attention, Babar does not.

Agree with the last part.
And as agreed n posted earlier - he is a scammer.

He has a weird body language and he is a very, very limited batsman with horrible technique and quite an ugly batting style. But he acts as if he is some Viv Richard who acting very humble to hide his greatness.

 

[zulfiqar]

I think its mostly because Babars ceiling seems higher than Rizwan. When Babars on song he scores faster. I'm not talking about his S/R over his career, just when he's playing well. But I think you mightve heard this in some circles, but right now both are under the radar. If Babar drooped to #3 and Rizwan to 7 and we let shan & harris open with ifti, nawaz and shafab to follow babar, we would almost instantly be more competitive and raise our ceiling as a team. It's just not gonna happen and I seriously don't know why this side would be that stubborn to change when they've seen results from the other guys when they are put in to bat earlier (i.e., they are much better).

Maybe there's a rule that they don't want to experiment in the middle of the tournament? They shouldn't be that rigid. We promoted afridi to #4 in 2009 semi final and were successful in large part to that change.

 

[SpiritOf1903]

Rizwan has been terrible but he has scored some runs atleast and he doesn't deserve to open the innings after this horrific tournament but he has been better than babar
.
Babar should be sacked from the captaincy and he should be kicked d out from the team

He is the worst player in this tournament and the worst captain by far in the tournament.

He has way too much power in the selection matters and all.

He is destroying Pakistan cricket.

Off field antics haven't increased his popularity that's for sure

 

[ask_analyse_act]

This semi final qualification would do more damage to Pak cricket. BABAR and RIZWAN will become untouchable for another 5 years may be until they retire even..

It will also create a false image that they peaked at the right time which is not obviously.

They had so many things to go their way to make the semis, and all that happen astonishingly, some of it even look scripted lol...

SA who beat India comprehensively went to lose to PAK thats ok but also to NED in back to back games with such margin is simply equal to them not playing the game of cricket at all.

 

[cerebralrattlesnake]

do you guys ever stop being bitter?

 

[Barragan]

At least Babar is trying to hit out, but is out of form.

With Rizwan, he hasn't tried at all and that has been the most disappointing aspect of his campaign so far.

 

[pillionrider]

The same reason Rauf and anyone else gets all the criticism to deflect from Shaheen during the last WC semi or this WC.

 

[moghul]

Babar is in horrible form , but he tries to increase the RR and gets out when not successful , Rizwan is more selfish of the two , he plays test cricket just to add runs against his name , he gives a damn to the team .

 

[adzzy786]

Because everyone loves Babar he’s ‘King Babar’ - Even when both were performing and Riz was performing BETTER than Babar, Babar got all the love.
Now I agree both have been awful this World Cup but Babar has been much worse. Yet the blind love we have for Babar is ridiculous.

Had it not been for Harris today we would have been in alot more trouble than we were

 

[PakPremi]

Because Rizwan puts himself forward as the target.

-He loves the camera and attention
-He is very happy to be used by the management as the official spokesperson
-His game delaying tactics and theatrics are unbearable!

*He purposely makes himself available for every pointless game so he can maintain his ranking!
+He kept out a superstar potential player like Harris so that he can stay in the limelight and Harry doesn’t steal his attention!

I have never heard worse setof reasons to criticise players performances. None of these irk me as a fan and he can carry on doing all thatas long as he improves and performs better as opener.
Topic on hand Rizwan ateast hasbeen scoring even ifnot as frequently as we would like but Babar needs to move onedown as he has been awful lately.

 

[zaidihusain]

Probably because Rizwan is currently 2nd most experienced T20I batsman after Babar and fans expect better from him. Babar in comparison has been horrible in T20I in last 1-2 years but he has performed well in ODIs & tests, that's why he is a bigger star. Secondly, there is huge difference between number of balls faced by Babar & Rizwan in T20I with other players in middle order like Iftikhar, Shan, Khushdil, Fakhar, Shadab, Nawaz. So, if you are playing most number of balls in every innings without creating much impact, you can't escape from criticism

 

[PakPremi]

do you guys ever stop being bitter?

Many Pakistani posters are always bitter on the Pakistan winning days, and some will be same even if Pakistan win the world cup.

 

[PakPremi]

Why do you care? You worship the guy…I don’t

Which of my posts suggestI worship him, I just do not do targetted and selective criticism unnecessarily.
Both openers been awful this tournament but they have played some superb innings in past.

 

[Rana]

Which of my posts suggestI worship him, I just do not do targetted and selective criticism unnecessarily.
Both openers been awful this tournament but they have played some superb innings in past.

I’ll say it again and again

Rizwan scoring 70 off 50 as an opener is not superb. It’s a scam.

 

[Rana]

Another toxic post by another toxic poster. Give the hatred a break for atleast one day and come back if we lose in the semi's. Too much toxicity on this forum.

You might be new.

I’ve been saying this for 3 years now. This isn’t toxic, this is me spitting facts which are consistent with my beliefs

 

[Rana]

You've been toxic for 3 years.

I’ve been the lone voice of truth for 3 years

Now I have those who can hear me.

 

[topspin]

Rizwan doesn't help himself with his extracurricular activities outside the cricket field to put it mildly shall we say.

Having said that Babar is our biggest culprit with his selfish attitude and huge sense of entitlement. We should call him out for what it is. He's a disgrace who's learnt this trait from Misbah.

We need a competent overseas coach to extinguish the Misbah school of thought from Pakistan cricket.

 

[Rana]

Rizwan doesn't help himself with his extracurricular activities outside the cricket field to put it mildly shall we say.

Having said that Babar is our biggest culprit with his selfish attitude and huge sense of entitlement. We should call him out for what it is. He's a disgrace who's learnt this trait from Misbah.

We need a competent overseas coach to extinguish the Misbah school of thought from Pakistan cricket.

Only Ricky Ponting or maybe Langer can purge it out

All other international coaches (cheap options) will happily ride on RizBar tuk tuk to make their performances as coach look good

 

[MSaad1237]

Because Rizwan looks horrible even when he scores runs.. Has poor technique , plays most of his shots leg side and struggles badly playing shots offside..


Atleast Babar is class when he's in flow.. Rizwan however is technically flawed and is not a proper batsman.

 

[topspin]

You've been toxic for 3 years.

He was the first to call out RizBab and was proven to be correct.

If he was wrong however, then I'd agree it's toxic.

 

[Rana]

I don't think so. It seems like you have your agendas and you like to push them. It doesn't matter if Pakistan loses, as long as you come across as right. It's very toxic. Seems like an ego problem to me.

Maybe it is. Maybe my ego is really hurt to see 95% of fans telling me RizBar’s batting approach is correct and everyone who disagrees with it ‘doesn’t know about cricket’.

 

[Subhan999]

Rizwan doesn't help himself with his extracurricular activities outside the cricket field to put it mildly shall we say.

Having said that Babar is our biggest culprit with his selfish attitude and huge sense of entitlement. We should call him out for what it is. He's a disgrace who's learnt this trait from Misbah.

We need a competent overseas coach to extinguish the Misbah school of thought from Pakistan cricket.

What extracurricular activities?

What entitlement?

Can you please elaborate? It's not good enough to use big words.

Look at this numbers over two years. He's smashed many record in t20s international and leagues.

What off the field activities are you talking about?

 

[Rana]

He was the first to call out RizBab and was proven to be correct.

If he was wrong however, then I'd agree it's toxic.

Thanks brother.

These Barsati Mendak fans will never understand my fight here

 

[Subhan999]

Thanks brother.

These Barsati Mendak fans will never understand my fight here

Seems like pakpassion is in a competition with itself who can be more right in their cricket analysis. Noone really gives a hoot about the team. U can identify the toxic posters because they're the ones NOT celebrating today. Thats why I say, take a break today and come back after semi final loss. Spend some time with family today

 

[ex-q-zit]

Note: Kindly can you stick to tpoic insteda of personal comments on other posters.

 

[Subhan999]

Note: Kindly can you stick to tpoic insteda of personal comments on other posters.

Noted.

 

[topspin]

Only Ricky Ponting or maybe Langer can purge it out

All other international coaches (cheap options) will happily ride on RizBar tuk tuk to make their performances as coach look good

Before Misbah was appointed as Head Coach (and Chief Selector), there was a massive improvement from the Misbah/Waqar duo to the Sarfraz/Mickey era.

Pakistan were unlucky to miss out on a semi final spot in the last ODI World Cup. You'd back them 7 or 8 times out of 10 to beat Sri Lanka. They beat the finalists in 2 very impressive displays.

Also, contrast the change in fortunes from 2013 CT to the 2017 edition. Both events were held in England. The former was led by Misbah (with Waqar as Coach) and they lost every game. Mickey took over in 2016 and played a major role in helping Pakistan win their first CT in the following year. This exposed the incompetence of Misbah/Waqar duo because how badly they fared to what Sarfraz/Mickey achieved in the exact same tournament held in the exact same part of the world.

The bottom line is white ball cricket was doing fine under Mickey which shows that a decent overseas is suffice to tear up Misbah's book of tuk tuk from the minds of our players.

 

[topspin]

What extracurricular activities?

What entitlement?

Can you please elaborate? It's not good enough to use big words.

Look at this numbers over two years. He's smashed many record in t20s international and leagues.

What off the field activities are you talking about?

Does that include the record for the slowest run rate in powerplay overs for 50+ T20Is?

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/s...he-worst-world-record-in-the-history-of-T20Is

 

[Subhan999]

Does that include the record for the slowest run rate in powerplay overs for 50+ T20Is?

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/s...he-worst-world-record-in-the-history-of-T20Is

Yes that includes it.

I've used the word "toxic" quite a bit today. I have a feeling this word will be used a lot in the future, esp to describe a couple of trolls here. If Pakistan had a successful sunday, and people are still complaining ad nauseum, it's come across as negative and toxic.

Just like Rizwan had a bad day with the "slowest run rate", perhaps the negativity can take a break too, just for one day please?

 

[topspin]

Yes that includes it.

I've used the word "toxic" quite a bit today. I have a feeling this word will be used a lot in the future, esp to describe a couple of trolls here. If Pakistan had a successful sunday, and people are still complaining ad nauseum, it's come across as negative and toxic.

Just like Rizwan had a bad day with the "slowest run rate", perhaps the negativity can take a break too, just for one day please?

It's not toxicity/negativity. It's about thinking objectively and challenging other views in order to arrive to the best outcomes for the team.

 

[Subhan999]

If u predicted that Pakistan will not reach the semi's with Rizwan and Babar opening partnership, then I'm challenging your views today!

 

[OmaIR1]

Both Babar and Rizwan are criticized and rightly so.

Rigid batting approach and white lipstick is the issue.

 

[Zaz]

I’ll say it again and again

Rizwan scoring 70 off 50 as an opener is not superb. It’s a scam.

Its superb As per pakistans strategy thats going to plan The rest score 90 off 70 balls its givin the team 170 with extras which pakistan will take most days and win most games

 

[giri26]

Both are bad, no need to criticize one more than other.

 

[shokz1408]

Both are really bad in these conditions. Literally hoping for a miracle in terms of them performing in semis or final. Performing as in a contribution to the cause, none of that run a ball or less crap. Man I remember before the tournament that badshah Babar photo, oh dear. All will be forgiven if they pull off some match winning knocks in the remaining games.

 

[hitthestump]

He was the first to call out RizBab and was proven to be correct.

If he was wrong however, then I'd agree it's toxic.

What is your definition of 'proof' please bhaisaab?

I asked you to back up your statements in another thread but you ran away.

 

[hitthestump]

Babar is in horrible form , but he tries to increase the RR and gets out when not successful , Rizwan is more selfish of the two , he plays test cricket just to add runs against his name , he gives a damn to the team .

I think Rizwan knows that if he was to get out too, then the pressure on Babar and the following batsmen would get very high.

Babar and Rizwan have spoken of dovetailing before where if one is being aggressive, the other will rotate strike.

Let's not get it twisted though.....today's match against Bangladesh was a disgrace. Both of them are so hopelessly out of form that they should not be batting like this. If you aren't timing it well then hit out or get out.

 

[srh]

I have noticed that most of the threads and PP Members are against Rizwan but Babar has been getting a free rope. But if we look at t20 performances, Babar is having an awful 2022. Poor Asia Cup poor world cup. The average inflated by one 100. Poor strike rate. Selfish knocks. Just because he is stylish does not mean we give him a free rope in T20s.
Rizwan has been poor this World Cup and needs to improve offside game but isn't he being thrashed for his as well as Babar's poor performances.

Both have been very bad and hurt Pakistan a lot. I agree that Babar has been worst as he is captain too and his decisions have not been good.

But the reason Rizwan is criticized more is that he has way less talent than Babar. And as the saying goes "Form is temporary and Class is permanent". Also Rizwan was a parchi selection to begin with. His game is not suited for T20s and so he was failing initially. But he was in good books of management so management discard the real T20 openers and appoint Rizwan as T20 opener. This is probably the worst nepotism I have ever seen in cricket. So fans also remember this fact about Rizwan.

 

[topspin]

What is your definition of 'proof' please bhaisaab?

I asked you to back up your statements in another thread but you ran away.

Proof is here:

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/s...he-worst-world-record-in-the-history-of-T20Is

But no one should have to bring proof for you to understand this. The fact that you can't see it is a fine example of how the vast majority of Pakistan fans have a poor understanding of the game. Sorry to break it to you, but you belong to that bracket.

 

[hitthestump]

Proof is here:

http://www.pakpassion.net/ppforum/s...he-worst-world-record-in-the-history-of-T20Is

But no one should have to bring proof for you to understand this. The fact that you can't see it is a fine example of how the vast majority of Pakistan fans have a poor understanding of the game. Sorry to break it to you, but you belong to that bracket.

Your definition of proof is one scorecard. That tells me all i need to know. Thank you.

 

[sweep_shot]

I think some people don't like Rizwan's hyper nature. That's why he gets criticized more than Babar.

 

[zaidihusain]

No player should be considered above the team. Every player has to face criticism at this level if he is not performing or not contributing to team's cause. Many legends like Wasim, Waqar, Inzamam, Sachin, Dravid etc had faced criticism during their days. But yes, criticism should be constructive, the fans of particular player should take it sportingly & positively. Both Baber & Rizwan have won many matches, the only point here is they have to redefine their role in T20s after this WC

 

[Rana]

What is your definition of 'proof' please bhaisaab?

I asked you to back up your statements in another thread but you ran away.

I know it hurts knowing everything you have fought for and made excuses for is proven to be a lie.

I win because I was honest

You lose because you were not.

 

[SaadAliG]

For all those who're saying he's been found out. It's clear that he's lacking confidence as he's not moving enough in the crease to create the angles which is the most vital part of his batting. It has nothing to do with being "found out on the off because he's a legside hack".

We've seen the greats of the game favoring on-side for getting most of their runs and there's nothing wrong with it.

 

[topspin]

Your definition of proof is one scorecard. That tells me all i need to know. Thank you.

If you read it properly, you’d find that out of all the openers who’ve played a minimum of 50+ T20Is, Babar and Rizwan have the lowest run rate during the power play overs in the history of the shortest format of the game.

Remember that also includes games against B and C string attacks.

 

[MenInG]

Shahid Afridi speaking on TV:

“Babar Azam needs to listen to suggestions"

“We need to use Mohammad Haris with fielding restrictions. Babar Azam should drop to number three.”

Afridi said Pakistan’s top order should play with more intent and be as aggressive as middle order batters Iftikhar Ahmed and Shan Masood.

“You look at Iftikhar or Shan Masood and you can see their intention in their body language, that they are looking to hit the ball. We need that kind of intention, that kind of cricket.

“What’s the point of scoring a run-a-ball 30 or 35 if you can’t finish the game having used up that many deliveries?”

https://www.dawn.com/news/1719545/shahid-afridi-calls-on-babar-azam-to-move-down-the-order

 

[Rana]

Shahid Afridi speaking on TV:

“Babar Azam needs to listen to suggestions"

“We need to use Mohammad Haris with fielding restrictions. Babar Azam should drop to number three.”

Afridi said Pakistan’s top order should play with more intent and be as aggressive as middle order batters Iftikhar Ahmed and Shan Masood.

“You look at Iftikhar or Shan Masood and you can see their intention in their body language, that they are looking to hit the ball. We need that kind of intention, that kind of cricket.

“What’s the point of scoring a run-a-ball 30 or 35 if you can’t finish the game having used up that many deliveries?”

https://www.dawn.com/news/1719545/shahid-afridi-calls-on-babar-azam-to-move-down-the-order

Boom Boom is right

The greatest performers/ match winners in Pakistan have never rated Rizwan in T20

 

[MenInG]

Boom Boom is right

The greatest performers/ match winners in Pakistan have never rated Rizwan in T20

Should we go back to 152/0 again? How about when he lifted the trophy in PSL?

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

For the sake argument im gonna agree with the premise.

Babar's best is far greater than Rizwan's best. Rizwan's personal truimph in the rankings have not conincided with a better style of play or better results for Pakistan. We looked a a far more balanced team with Babar and Fahkar opening.

Rizwan was opening due to a lack of options and to find a place for him to bat, he will never be a free flowing batsman like Babar can be at his best. Rizwan is very limited, almost entirely plays on the onside. He has done very well on a personal level, but when its mattered he has failed. His stats are like what misbah used to do but without the max, ie; plod along for a run a ball most of the innings then slog a bit at the end to boost it to 125 - 140.
Fact is if Rizwan was playing in any other position, he would be out of the team. There is a reason why his ODI stats are so shocking.

 

[Rana]

Should we go back to 152/0 again? How about when he lifted the trophy in PSL?

Amir’s 3fer in CT final
Fakhar’s 100 in CT final

Where are they now? Who is harping on about them now?

How does winning the PSL equate to greatness in the eyes of Pakistan legends who have never played the tournament themselves?

Wasim Akram, Afridi, Shoaib Akhtar and I’m sure many of the great performers of our cricket history don’t buy into Rizwan. It’s just an honest assessment. You can’t say I am completely wrong about my assessments

 

[MenInG]

Amir’s 3fer in CT final
Fakhar’s 100 in CT final

Where are they now? Who is harping on about them now?

How does winning the PSL equate to greatness in the eyes of Pakistan legends who have never played the tournament themselves?

Wasim Akram, Afridi, Shoaib Akhtar and I’m sure many of the great performers of our cricket history don’t buy into Rizwan. It’s just an honest assessment. You can’t say I am completely wrong about my assessments

I would like you to dig out the praise for both Babar and Riz when we won against India last year.

The same people who you say didn't rate him...

 

[Gayle_Force]

I think Pakistani fans and media needs to take a deep look and shift focus from criticism of individual players to constructive criticism of the team.

There has been far too much focus on Babar and Rizwan individually and it can’t be good for players mental health. At the end of the day players are humans also.

I think as fans we have one maybe two matches left in this World Cup and it’s time we put things aside and support the team regardless of the decision the team makes about opening slot.

After the World Cup there will be plenty of time to reevaluate our entire approach towards T20 format.

 

[Rana]

I would like you to dig out the praise for both Babar and Riz when we won against India last year.

The same people who you say didn't rate him...

What are they supposed to do? Not praise them at the time and lose their jobs or get lynched in Pakistan?

 

[Rana]

I think Pakistani fans and media needs to take a deep look and shift focus from criticism of individual players to constructive criticism of the team.

There has been far too much focus on Babar and Rizwan individually and it can’t be good for players mental health. At the end of the day players are humans also.

I think as fans we have one maybe two matches left in this World Cup and it’s time we put things aside and support the team regardless of the decision the team makes about opening slot.

After the World Cup there will be plenty of time to reevaluate our entire approach towards T20 format.

Where does this mental health argument go when guys like Khushdil, Asif, Iftikhar, Haider, Fakhar, Shan and anyone else who is thrown under the bus after they fail to make 15 runs per over when RizBab have left them not enough time and not the right momentum?

RizBab have lapped up enough praise and love from the nation in the lead up to their failure and criticism. They are receiving their fair share of it now.

Sorry but it was people like you who dismissed the constructive criticism at the time when people like me could see the illusion. It’s time to own up to it rather than run away from it.

 

[MenInG]

What are they supposed to do? Not praise them at the time and lose their jobs or get lynched in Pakistan?

Ok so now you have changed your tune.

Fact is that they saw something good in Rizwan and appreciated it - your statement that they never rate him is incorrect.

 

[Rana]

Ok so now you have changed your tune.

Fact is that they saw something good in Rizwan and appreciated it - your statement that they never rate him is incorrect.

Giving convenient statements that are the flavour of the month and having a set view (that isn’t always publicly expressed) are two different things

When Rizwan’s PR machine was rampant in portraying him as the saviour, these guys were not willing to be cancelled for their set views about him.

Trust me, I know this myself.

 

[Gayle_Force]

Where does this mental health argument go when guys like Khushdil, Asif, Iftikhar, Haider, Fakhar, Shan and anyone else who is thrown under the bus after they fail to make 15 runs per over when RizBab have left them not enough time and not the right momentum?

RizBab have lapped up enough praise and love from the nation in the lead up to their failure and criticism. They are receiving their fair share of it now.

Sorry but it was people like you who dismissed the constructive criticism at the time when people like me could see the illusion. It’s time to own up to it rather than run away from it.

Tell me one instance where I have criticized either of the players on your list directly. I have nothing personal against them and my posts have always been about middle order in general and their strike rates. The middle order has certainly stepped up this tournament and thankfully so.

It’s unfortunate for us that the openers completely fell out of sorts right when the middle order picked up some form. What is really unfortunate is the over the top criticism of Rizwan and Babar both by ex cricketers and fans. Your criticism was never constructive, it has always been personal particularly against Rizwan.

Pakistan with all its faults is still in semifinals with more or less the same team. So I have nothing to own up for and will continue to cheer for this team

 

[IMMY69]

I think Pakistani fans and media needs to take a deep look and shift focus from criticism of individual players to constructive criticism of the team.

There has been far too much focus on Babar and Rizwan individually and it can’t be good for players mental health. At the end of the day players are humans also.

I think as fans we have one maybe two matches left in this World Cup and it’s time we put things aside and support the team regardless of the decision the team makes about opening slot.

After the World Cup there will be plenty of time to reevaluate our entire approach towards T20 format.

This is an excellent post and I fully concur.

In the past we have selected players who I haven't agreed with at all but I get behind the team and wish for every players success and a victory for team Pakistan, no matter who is in the playing eleven.

In private messages with friends, of course we criticise players and take our anger to another level.
But here we have a public form, one that others can see too, and there has to be some control over the quality and quantity of hate filled drivel that is spouted on the players especially when the team is playing a series or a tournament.

Constructive criticism is absolutely fine but when numerous threads are started on particular players and its constant hatred and "I told you so" posts after posts then if it becomes tiresome for a nobody like me then I'd hate to think what the players must feel if they do come across something like this.

 

[hitthestump]

If you read it properly, you’d find that out of all the openers who’ve played a minimum of 50+ T20Is, Babar and Rizwan have the lowest run rate during the power play overs in the history of the shortest format of the game.

Remember that also includes games against B and C string attacks.

Oh dear oh dear oh dear )

 

[Saj]

I spoke with Wahab Riaz earlier for my YouTube channel and he was actually saying it should be Rizwan dropping down the order and not Babar.

 

[jnaveen1980]

https://www.espncricinfo.com/story/...kumar-yadav-soar-babar-azam-struggles-1343858

 

[jnaveen1980]

Babar is in company of Chakabva

 

[MenInG]

During a discussion on the two knocks on Samaa TV, the anchor, recalling one of Rizwan's statement where he was asked if he wanted to change his gameplan given that oppositions have now been studying his strategy and outsmarting him and the batter did not pay heed to it, asked Afridi whether it is time for the Pakistan opener to learn a thing or two from Suryakumar and the flexibility he shows.

Afridi replied saying, "Bilkul theek kaha. Sabse important cheez jo mention huya hai ki 200-250 domestic matches khel ke woh India team main aaya hai. Uss ladke ko apni game ka pata hai. Jitni bhi shotein marta hai woh achi ball o pe bhi maarta hai because uss cheez ki usne practice ki hai. Jitni skill aapke paas hogi utne ache impact wale player aap honge. Toh apko shots develop karne parenge, yeh format hi waisa hai (You are absolutely right. The most important thing about Suryakumar is that he played 200-250 matches in domestic circuit before coming to international cricket. He knows his game. And he can target the good balls as well because he practices those shots. In this format, you need to evolve as a batter and develop your game).

https://www.hindustantimes.com/cric...ko-apni-game-ka-pata-hai-101667834985473.html

 

[proud_pakistani]

Rizwan has barely got any criticism. Even most of the analysts want Babar to drop down, not Rizwan despite the fact Babar is a better player of pace than Rizwan.

 

[daytrader]

Rizwan doesn't help himself with his extracurricular activities outside the cricket field to put it mildly shall we say.

Having said that Babar is our biggest culprit with his selfish attitude and huge sense of entitlement. We should call him out for what it is. He's a disgrace who's learnt this trait from Misbah.

We need a competent overseas coach to extinguish the Misbah school of thought from Pakistan cricket.

But but Babar was developed by Mickey Arthur!