Following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the 2025 Champions Trophy, where they failed to register a single victory in the group stage, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made sweeping changes to the squad for the upcoming five-match series in New Zealand. As a result, both Babar Azam and captain Mohammad Rizwan were left out of the squad.
Babar has been under scrutiny for his underwhelming performances across formats, and his campaign in the Champions Trophy only added to the criticism. He managed to score just 126 runs in three matches, with a slow-paced 64 in one of the games drawing sharp reactions. Former cricketers, including Shoaib Akhtar, were particularly vocal, with the latter labeling him a disappointment.
In response to the growing criticism, Babar’s father, Azam Siddique, came forward to defend his son. Expressing his frustration on social media, he lashed out at both the PCB for dropping Babar and the critics questioning his abilities. He emphasized that despite setbacks, Babar remains a top player in the shortest format and will prove himself again through domestic competitions like the National T20 and PSL. He also urged former players to choose their words carefully when discussing his son, warning that criticism should not cross certain boundaries.
Siddique further asserted that as Babar Azam’s mentor and biggest supporter, he has every right to speak up. He reminded critics to reflect on their own records before questioning Babar’s legacy, subtly hinting that time will tell who truly belongs at the top.
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As the debate rages on, fans are left wondering whether this setback will fuel Babar’s resurgence or mark a turning point in his career.
