Aaqib Javed Takes A Sarcastic Dig At Babar Azam For His Slow Strike-rate

After having a good Asia Cup campaign, Pakistan are currently preparing for a seven-match home T20I series against England. However, the tournament did not go well for the Pakistan skipper Babar Azam. He scored only 68 runs in six innings, at an average of 11.33. Even, in the final against Sri Lanka, he failed to score big.

Meanwhile, his overall strike rate has been a concern in recent times. Now, a former Pakistani cricketer, Aaqib Javed came up with a sarcastic dig at the Pakistan skipper. Javed is currently the head coach of the Lahore franchise in the Pakistan T20 League. Hence, he shared a plan of their when they faced Babar so far in the tournament. 

“We have never tried too hard or wanted too badly to get Babar Azam out.” – Aaqib Javed

While talking to Sports Paktv, Aaqib Javed said: “When we play against Karachi and we have a total of 180 or so, we have never tried too hard or wanted too badly to get Babar Azam out. Because he plays at his own pace and the required rate keeps increasing. Rizwan is also similar. No doubt he played very well in the Pakistan T20 League, but when these two play together, then you have two performers of the same type.”

Javed also raised questions about the batting composition Pakistan have after the final 20-20 World Cup squad announcement. He said: “When you knew that the World Cup was happening, and even today, the selection is doubtful. Because they should have done this six or eight months back, that this is our squad of 20 players. And there’s a reason for that. You have openers, no.3, middle order, lower middle order… you should know what your batting composition is.”

“If someone gets out early, who can come and consolidate, build a little and then score quickly later on… I don’t see anyone like that on the team. And that has become the mindset that we have to keep these two openers. The two openers are effective, but where? For scores under 150-160. They are suitable for that.” Aaqib Javed concluded.