Former Pakistan Coach Reveals How Harsh Criticism Affected Babar Azam

Former Pakistan cricketer Azhar Mahmood has disclosed that Babar Azam experienced significant distress following his exclusion from the national Test squad in 2024. Babar's absence from the team occurred after a series of subpar performances, leading to intense criticism from previous players and online commentators. Mahmood, who held the position of assistant coach for Pakistan across all formats during this time, spent about five months alongside Babar while he was away from the squad.

They frequently engaged in golf games during their downtime as they awaited the next Pakistan assignment.

According to Mahmood, Babar was profoundly disheartened by the treatment he received from former teammates and social media pundits, emphasizing that Babar, despite being one of Pakistan’s most prominent cricketers, faced excessive criticism. He pointed out that the constant disparagement of one of the country's leading players was particularly distressing.

Mahmood further noted that while Babar's game still requires some refinement, this should not overshadow his status as a top-tier cricketer for Pakistan. He added that Babar's captaincy has played a pivotal role in enhancing his maturity and confidence, suggesting that these traits are more pronounced when he is leading the team.

"When he is the captain, he feels like he has more power and more confidence," Mahmood remarked. However, he also observed that Babar's confidence can waver when he is not the captain, indicating that he tends to withdraw into himself in such situations. "If he is not the captain, nobody gives him respect, which he deserves. And sometimes he goes into his shell," Mahmood concluded.