'Captain Doesn't Think Out of the Box..': Babar Azam Blamed by PAK Legends For Afghanistan Loss

Former Pakistan greats Misbah-ul-Haq and Shoaib Malik blamed Babar Azam’s captaincy choices after their historic defeat to Afghanistan in the ODI World Cup 2023. It was the first time Pakistan lost to Afghanistan in ODI cricket, and the defeat has seen Babar and Co. come under immense pressure.

Even though the Green Army were ranked as the number 1 side in ODI cricket more than a month ago, they were beaten by Sri Lanka in the Super 4 stage of Asia Cup 2023, and that poor form has now translated in the World Cup as well.

After the two wins over Netherlands and Bangladesh, Pakistan lost to India by 7 wickets, followed by another 62-run defeat to Australia and the 8-wicket loss to Afghanistan in Chennai on Monday.

After three back-to-back losses, former PAK cricketer Misbah-ul-Haq blamed Babar for not using Haris Rauf properly resulting in the poor form of the pacer.

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“We can see that whenever Haris Rauf is given the ball to bowl in the powerplay, he is struggling. He is low in confidence, he is leaking 18-20 runs in his first over,” said Misbah.

“We have spoken after the last match against Australia as well, how New Zealand bring Mitchell Santner in the eighth or the ninth over. It is an attacking option, since it is the last over of the powerplay, batsmen tries to take risk. It is a gamble, you can take wicket as well,” he added.

Rauf has been taken to the cleaners in recent matches, with Naseem Shah injured, and Shadab Khan benched, only Shaheen Afridi has been taking over the burden of picking wickets, along with Hassan Ali.

Former all-rounder Shoaib Malik also agreed with Misbah’s assessment, blaming Babar for not utilising other players when the mainstream bowlers are struggling.

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“Sorry to interrupt Misbah bhai! Our spin department is also struggling. Our captain doesn’t think out of the box. Saud Shakeel is there, he can bowl you don’t give him the ball,” said Malik.

Pakistan have four matches remaining to qualify for the ODI World Cup semifinals, and they will need to win all four of those matches to keep their fate in their own hands for the semifinal race.