Babar Azam should quit captaincy in T20 cricket: Shahid Afridi

Pakistan had a rollercoaster of a ride in the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 after losing two successive matches in the Super 12 stage to make it to the finals of the event. The Babar Azam-led side were eventually defeated at the hands of England in the summit clash which crowned England as champions of the world.

Many members of the cricketing fraternity have opined that skipper Babar Azam should step down from captaincy. Adding to this, Pakistan great Shahid Afridi too believes that Babar should give up shouldering responsibility in the T20 format and should focus on batting instead and lead team in ODIs and Tests.

"Babar was not happy with the management at Karachi Kings as it is. I feel he should take a tough call and quit captaincy in T20 cricket. He should focus on his batting and lead the team in Tests and one-dayers," Afridi said in an interview with Samaa TV.

"I respect Babar a lot and that's why I don't want him to take the pressure of captaincy in T20 cricket. I want him to focus on his captaincy in longer formats. You do have players like Shadab, Rizwan, and even Shan Masood who can lead the team in the T20 format," Afridi added.

Babar Azam faced lot of heat during the marquee event

One of the things that was highlighted in T20 WC was the Pakistan skipper’s lean patch throughout the course of the event. Excluding the sensational 53-run innings against New Zealand, Babar just did not seem in pristine touch.

Furthermore, Babar got single-digit scores to his name in the first four matches of the Super 12 stage and scored a 32 in the summit clash against England. Fans and members of the cricketing fraternity have observed his downfall with the willow which has been affected due to the pressures of being a captain.

The skipper was at the receiving end of a lot of criticism throughout the competition for his underwhelming performances. Babar has not responded to the suggestions put forth by the cricketing fraternity and it remains to be seen what transpires.