Pakistan cricket has once again found itself at the center of debate after former fast bowling great Shoaib Akhtar questioned Babar Azam‘s reputation as a “superstar.” With Pakistan set to begin an important Test tour of the West Indies later this month, Akhtar’s remarks have reignited discussions about the captain’s ability to consistently produce match-winning performances when the team needs him the most.
Shoaib Akhtar slams Babar Azam’s “superstar” status
Akhtar did not hold back while assessing Babar’s standing in Pakistan cricket. The former speedster argued that individual talent alone is not enough to earn superstar status and insisted that players should be judged by their ability to win games for the national team. The remarks come after a period in which Babar struggled to maintain the high standards that had previously established him as one of the world’s leading batters. His prolonged dip in form coincided with inconsistent performances from Pakistan, placing additional scrutiny on the captain, who has long been regarded as the cornerstone of the batting line-up.
“You have made a superstar out of a player who cannot win you a game,” said Akhtar as quoted by NDTV.
While Babar has shown encouraging signs of returning to form in recent outings, Akhtar believes the right-hander still has work to do before reclaiming his place among the game’s elite. According to the former pacer, Pakistan’s captain must shoulder greater responsibility in pressure situations and regularly guide the team to victories rather than simply contributing runs.
Signs of improvement after difficult phase
Despite the criticism, Babar’s recent performances suggest that he may be moving in the right direction. During Pakistan’s two-Test series against Bangladesh, the stylish batter accumulated 115 runs in two matches, registering a highest score of 68 and averaging 57.50. He carried that momentum into the ODI series against Australia, where he scored 125 runs across three matches. His best knock of 69 helped him finish the series with an average of 41.66, reflecting a degree of consistency that had been missing during his lean spell.
Although these numbers indicate gradual progress, expectations surrounding Babar remain exceptionally high. As Pakistan’s captain and premier batter, he is expected not only to score runs but also to deliver decisive performances that influence match results in the team’s favour.
Babar will have an immediate chance to answer his critics when Pakistan travel to the Caribbean for a two-Test series against the West Indies. The series, scheduled from July 25 to August 6 in Trinidad and Tobago, will serve as an important test of both his leadership and batting form. The challenge will not end there. Following the Caribbean tour, Pakistan will head to England for a demanding three-Test series from August 19 to September 13. The back-to-back overseas assignments are expected to play a significant role in shaping Pakistan’s Test campaign, with Babar’s performances likely to be under intense scrutiny.
