‘Deliver or say goodbye’: Shoaib Akhtar warns Pakistan’s senior stars like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi could be axed

Babar Azam, Pakistan's star batsman, has been struggling with his form recently. However, team captain Shaheen Shah Afridi remains confident in his ability, stating that Babar is the backbone of the team and there is no pressure on him. Shaheen dismissed rumors that Babar was under pressure, emphasizing that the player is a crucial part of the squad.

Babar's recent performances in Test cricket were disappointing, managing only 97 runs against England. However, his domestic return after nearly nine years has been encouraging, with 58 runs in four innings. His ODI form has been more promising, scoring 125 runs in three matches during Pakistan's series against Australia, helping them secure a 2-1 victory.

Shaheen believes Babar's contributions in ODIs should not be overlooked, as the player has always delivered for Pakistan cricket. Shaheen Shah Afridi expressed excitement about the upcoming One-Day Cricket series, where Pakistan will face England and Sri Lanka, calling it a highly competitive tournament with talented players across the teams.

The tri-series begins on October 18 with Pakistan playing against Sri Lanka, followed by England on October 20, concluding with the final in Lahore on October 31. This tournament serves as preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup, and Babar Azam has the full support of his captain as he aims to prove his critics wrong.