Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has delivered a scathing assessment of Babar Azam’s personality and leadership, suggesting that Pakistan cannot expect decisive action from their captain or the wider management group. His remarks came during the vistors’ difficult Test tour of England, with Pakistan are facing prospect of a series whitewash as England have dominated the ongoing third Test so far and have also put themselves in a commanding position at Edgbaston.

Shoaib Akhtar questions Babar Azam’s personality as captain of Pakistan

Speaking on PTV Sports, Akhtar was asked about the kind of decisions he would have taken had he been in Babar’s position. The former pacer made it clear that he would have approached the situation very differently. Akhtar then linked Babar’s approach as captain to his personality, arguing that the right-hander’s character is reflected in the way he plays and makes decisions.

“Had it been me, everyone knows what would have happened. That is a very simple thing. If he isn’t able to do it, it’s because that is his own personality. His own personality is visible in his game; it’s visible in his decisions, it’s visible in everything,” said Akhtar.

The former speedster went on to express doubts about how much could realistically be expected from the current Pakistan setup.

“You cannot ask too much from this team, including the captain, and the rest of the pack. You can’t ask too much. What can you expect from them?,” added Akhtar.

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Pakistan rocked by mid-tour changes

Akhtar’s comments have come at a particularly turbulent time for Pakistan cricket. Following their defeat at Lord’s, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made sweeping changes to the touring squad, removing seven players and calling up seven replacements.

Five of the new additions had never previously played Test cricket, adding an inexperienced element to a team already under considerable pressure in England. The PCB also made major changes to the coaching staff. Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were removed from their positions, while white-ball coaches Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke were brought into the setup.

The controversy intensified when Babar revealed that he had not been consulted before the PCB announced the changes. The development raised further questions about the captain’s authority and influence over important team decisions. For a side already struggling to compete with England, the sudden alterations have added to the uncertainty surrounding Pakistan’s campaign.

With England having already taken a 2-0 lead in the series and now firmly in control of the third Test, Pakistan face the daunting prospect of going home without a Test victory.

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