Image Source: X
[Saba Sports News] Amid Pakistan’s recent cricket struggles, former pacer Tanveer Ahmed has come to the defense of star batter Babar Azam while also criticizing the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).
Babar has been under heavy scrutiny due to a prolonged slump in form, with his last century dating back to August 30, 2023, against Nepal in the Asia Cup. The criticism intensified after Pakistan’s recent 10-wicket defeat to Bangladesh in the first Test in Rawalpindi.
Ahmed pointed out the growing tension between the players and the PCB, specifically targeting PCB chief Mohsin Naqvi for what he perceives as unfair treatment of Babar. He accused the board of scapegoating Babar for Pakistan’s ongoing cricketing issues, including their winless streak in the current World Test Championship cycle.
“Looking at social media, it seems as if Babar Azam alone has ruined Pakistan cricket, and the board has no fault. Have some fear of God. If you want to earn money, praise Babar sometimes instead of just criticizing him,” Ahmed wrote on X.
Babar’s last significant Test innings was a 161 against New Zealand in December 2022, but since then, he has scored only 289 runs in his last 14 innings, averaging just 20.64. His scores of 0 and 22 in the recent Test against Bangladesh have only added to the criticism.