The recent exclusion of Babar Azam from Pakistan’s T20I squad for the upcoming New Zealand tour has sparked significant controversy. Azam Siddique, Babar’s father, has openly criticized both the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and former cricketers for their treatment of his son.
Babar Azam’s Recent Performance and Exclusion
Babar Azam, once a mainstay in Pakistan’s batting lineup, has faced a decline in form recently. His performance in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 was underwhelming, with a notable fifty against New Zealand that came at a sluggish pace, especially during a high-stakes chase. This dip in form led the PCB to omit him from the T20I squad for the New Zealand series, a decision that has been met with mixed reactions.
Azam Siddique’s Response
In light of his son’s exclusion, Azam Siddique took to social media to express his dissatisfaction. He emphasized Babar’s recent accolade of being named in the ICC’s Twenty20 Team of the Year and questioned the rationale behind dropping a player of his caliber. Siddique expressed confidence in Babar’s ability to perform in domestic tournaments like the National T20 Cup and the Pakistan Super League (PSL), asserting that his son would make a strong comeback.
Criticism of Former Players
Siddique also addressed the harsh critiques from former Pakistani cricketers, urging them to choose their words carefully. He warned that if these former players were confronted about their statements, they might not be able to tolerate the backlash. This comment highlights the tension between current players’ families and past cricketers who often serve as pundits or commentators.
Support from Family
The discontent isn’t limited to Babar’s father. His brother, Safeer Azam, seemingly took a subtle dig at the PCB by sharing a photo of Babar’s ICC T20I Team of the Year cap on social media. This post has been interpreted by many as a critique of the board’s decision to drop Babar from the T20I squad, emphasizing his recent achievements and questioning the justification for his exclusion.
Broader Criticism of PCB’s Selection Policies
The PCB’s recent selection decisions have come under scrutiny from various quarters. Former cricketers have alleged favoritism in the selection process, claiming that deserving players have been overlooked in favor of those with “backdoor entries.” Questions have been raised over the exclusion of players like Saud Shakeel, who played a crucial 64-run innings against India, and fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain, who, despite not featuring in the Champions Trophy, was left out of the squad.
PCB’s Stance
The PCB has made significant changes to the T20I squad, appointing Salman Ali Agha as the new captain and recalling all-rounder Shadab Khan as vice-captain. These changes indicate a shift in strategy, possibly aiming to rejuvenate the team after a series of disappointing performances. However, the exclusion of senior players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan suggests a move towards restructuring the team’s core.
Conclusion
The exclusion of Babar Azam from the T20I squad has ignited a debate about selection policies, player performance, and the role of former cricketers in shaping public opinion. While the PCB appears to be taking bold steps to revitalize the team, the reactions from Babar’s family and former players highlight the complexities involved in team selection and the pressures faced by players on and off the field.