'Babar is being forced to become weak, which is not good' - Misbah-ul-Haq lashes out at Pakistani skipper's unfair criticism

Pakistan's all-format skipper Babar Azam has become the pantomime villain for the media after his side failed to win a single home Test series in 2022. However, former Pakistani skipper Misbah-ul-Haq has come to the aid of the under-fire batting star after his altercations with media personnel in the aftermath of the Test series against New Zealand.

The Pakistani Test team endured an abysmal campaign in the longest format of the game in 2022, with skipper Babar Azam coming into the line of fire from experts and journalists alike. Although he has been sensational with the bat, his leadership qualities are under the scanner following another disappointing home Test series against the Kiwis.

However, ex-cricketer Misbah-ul-Haq has lashed out at people for making Babar the scapegoat for Pakistan's failure in red-ball cricket. He reckoned a decision needs to be made after deliberation from the selection committee and the board rather than targeting the skipper in public. Misbah feels that calling out a player like this will only disorientate the team and hamper their performance.

“It is visible, Babar is being forced to become weak, which is not good. The kind of press conferences and questions being asked by Babar, everyone is watching. If there is a decision to be made, everyone should sit together and make a decision. The players, the selection committee, and the board should sit down and make a decision comfortably. If you put pressure on someone for any other reason, the whole team will be disturbed. It should not happen," Misbah said to Geo News.

While the traditional format of the game has seen Pakistan struggle in recent times, the Men in Green have been superb in white-ball cricket. Misbah praised the side's performances in the shorter formats of the game and is looking forward to the 50-over World Cup later this year.

"Pakistan team is undoubtedly a powerhouse in white ball cricket. Pakistan’s bowlers and batters are top in white ball cricket,” Misbah added.

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