“It is not a bed of roses,” Shahid Afridi tears down Babar Azam after loss to Afghanistan 

Babar Azam's critics have increased as many call for his sacking, including Shahid Afridi who is not impressed with his recent performances as captain,

“It is not a bed of roses,” Shahid Afridi tears down Babar Azam after loss to Afghanistan 

Shahid Afridi was not impressed by Babar Azam's captaincy in the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup (Images via ESPN)

On 23rd October, Pakistan lost to Afghanistan in the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup. Many Pakistani fans and ex-players were unhappy with the embarrassing loss, where Afghanistan chased 283 with ease. Ex-Captain Shahid Afridi was critical of his country’s poor performance in the World Cup so far, while also criticizing Captain, Babar Azam. 

While live on a Pakistani news show, Afridi called out the captaincy style of Babar Azam. “Captaining your national side is a matter of honour but it is not a bed of roses. When you do good, everyone praises you and when you don’t, everyone blames you as well as the head coach,” Afridi said. 

https://youtu.be/zFKMhj0SbGs?si=zhZXS7VP2neYlq4D

Taking the example of Australia, Shahid Afridi added, “It is the captain’s job to apply pressure, a pacer is bowling and there is no slip? Four are required on 12 balls and you’ve taken backward point? Apply pressure. What do the Australians do? They take one to two wickets and then put all of their players in the circle to apply pressure, like they did against Pakistan.”

Pakistan have lost three out of the five matches they have played so far. They won their first two matches against Netherlands and Sri Lanka, but lost to India, Australia and Afghanistan. The team has been called out for its poor fielding, lack of intent while batting and its poor bowling performances in the World Cup. Although they have four games left, their chances of getting in the Semi-final have taken a huge hit. 

Related: “Should leave captaincy,” former Pakistan captain claims Babar Azam can’t THINK out of the box 

Yousuf Khan claims Babar Azam cried after loss to Pakistan 

After losing to Afghanistan, the entire Pakistan team had looked dejected while walking back to the dressing room. They had never lost to Afghanistan in ODIs, but in their 8th match against each other Afghanistan had finally beaten them, thanks to 50s by their top order and a vital 48 by Hashmatullah Shahidi, Afghanistan chased down 283.

Pakistan Cricket Team
The Pakistan Team walks back in sorrow after losing to Afghanistan (Image via ESPN)

Former Pakistani player, Yousuf Khan, claimed captain Babar Azam had cried in the dressing room after the loss. Talking to a Pakistan channel, Samaa TV, Yousuf claimed he heard that Babar had cried and was visibly disturbed in the press conference. Yousuf said the loss to Afghanistan wasn’t just Babar’s fault but the fault of the entire team and management, but they are still supporting the team. 

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