Babar Azam makes bold statement on his captaincy future amidst growing criticism
Babar Azam (Image Credit: Twitter)
Pakistan hosted England for a three-match Test series for the first time since 2005. Three months back, the Three Lions came to the Asian country for a seven-match T20I series. The recently-concluded Test series was the second part of the tour. Meanwhile, the Test series has turned out to be a forgettable one for the home series. They have been clean-swept at home for the first time in their history of the game.
After the loss, the voices against Babar Azam‘s captaincy have raised. A lot of former cricketers and experts have suggested that the right-hander must be removed from the captaincy. On the other hand, after the third Test, a journalist asked whether he is facing the pressure of captaincy and whether the responsibility is having an impact on his batting.
However, the 2017 Champions Trophy winner has said that leading his national side is a matter of honor for him.
“Captaincy is a matter of honour for me. I will do whatever best I can for my country and for myself,” he said. “I enjoy it more when under pressure and it doesn’t affect my batting.”
I keep Pakistan first and everything is after that: Babar Azam
The Lahore player rued that the team couldn’t apply themselves in the series. He further added that he will defend every player as a captain.
“We could not apply ourselves in the series,” said Azam, who suffered his sixth defeat in 16 Tests as skipper.
“I keep Pakistan first and the rest after that. So that motive and my aim is paramount,” he said.
“I will defend other players as captain. I will take that front on… I will be there for others.”
“Coaches give us plans and we have to execute that. It’s for the players to step up,” he said.
“We were unfortunate that our main fast bowlers were not fit and the new players we played could not execute the way we wanted,” he said.
