‘Were You There to Sell Chickpeas?’ Wasim Akram Questions Babar Azam’s Leadership

Pakistan’s disappointing England tour continues to generate debate, with former captain Wasim Akram launching a sharp criticism of Babar Azam’s leadership.

Akram questioned how Babar could remain captain while claiming he was unaware of major decisions made by the Pakistan Cricket Board during the Test series.

Speaking at a charity fundraising event in Manchester alongside former Pakistan teammate Waqar Younis, Akram discussed the turmoil surrounding the national team after their poor start to the England series.

Babar’s ‘I Didn’t Know’ Comment

After Pakistan lost the first two Tests, the PCB made sweeping changes to the team. Head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul were removed, while seven players were sent back home.

Before the third Test in Birmingham, Babar was asked about the changes during the toss. The Pakistan captain said the developments were news to him as well and suggested that journalists should direct their questions to the PCB.

That response did not sit well with Akram.

The former Pakistan captain argued that a national team captain should be closely involved in major decisions affecting the squad. In his view, Babar would have been better off focusing solely on his role as a player rather than continuing as captain under such circumstances.

Akram Wanted Babar to Step Down

Akram believes Babar should have stepped down as Test captain after the second Test and continued the series as a player.

He also questioned Babar’s decision to take charge of the Test side in the first place, arguing that the situation became unnecessarily complicated once the captain was seemingly detached from major developments within the team.

Taking a sarcastic swipe at Babar’s comments, Akram said: “Babar Azam said he didn’t know anything. If you didn’t know anything, what were you doing there? Were you there to sell chickpeas?”

Pakistan’s Difficult England Tour

Babar returned to the Test captaincy after replacing Shan Masood ahead of Pakistan’s tours of the West Indies and England.

His second stint began with a 1-1 draw against the West Indies, but Pakistan struggled badly in England. They lost the first Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs before suffering a 194-run defeat at Lord’s.

The PCB responded with major changes, sending seven players home and making adjustments to the coaching staff.

However, the changes failed to produce an immediate turnaround. England won the final Test at Edgbaston by eight wickets to complete a 3-0 series sweep.

Akram on the Importance of Leadership

Akram also stressed the importance of a captain standing firmly behind the players.

He argued that when players do not feel supported by their captain, it becomes difficult for them to give their maximum effort on the field.

His comments have added another layer to the ongoing debate over Babar Azam’s leadership and Pakistan’s handling of the England Test series.