T20 World Cup 2024: Imam-ul-Haq fires back at Ahmed Shehzad’s ‘Fake King’ comment on Pakistan captain Babar Azam

The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 has not gone according to plan for Pakistan and their star captain, Babar Azam. Entering the tournament with high expectations, especially after being the runners-up in the previous edition, the Men in Green have faced a series of disappointing setbacks. The scrutiny on Babar’s leadership and performance has intensified, casting a shadow over Pakistan’s campaign.

Shaky Start for Pakistan

Pakistan’s journey in the T20 World Cup began with great anticipation but quickly turned tumultuous. In their opening match, they faced co-hosts USA, a game that was expected to be a straightforward victory. However, Pakistan’s batting faltered, and they succumbed to a surprising defeat. The situation worsened when they lost to their arch-rivals India in a high-stakes clash that further dampened their spirits.

Despite securing a win against Canada in their third match, the initial losses have put Pakistan in a precarious position, jeopardizing their chances of advancing to the Super 8 stage. The team’s inconsistent performances have led to mounting pressure on Babar Azam, both as a captain and a player.

Criticism of Babar Azam’s Captaincy and Batting

Babar Azam, celebrated for his batting elegance and consistency, has found himself at the center of criticism. His batting performance in the tournament has been underwhelming, with only 90 runs in three games at an average of 30. For a player of his caliber, these numbers have raised eyebrows among fans and cricket experts alike.

Former cricketers and pundits have not held back in expressing their disappointment. The criticism has not only been about his batting but also his leadership on the field. Questions are being raised about his decision-making and ability to inspire his team in crucial moments.

Ahmed Shehzad’s Controversial Critique

Adding fuel to the fire, former Pakistan opener Ahmed Shehzad has been particularly vocal in his criticism of Babar. In a recent appearance on Geo News’ show ‘Haarna Mana Hai’, Shehzad made some scathing remarks about Babar’s performance in ICC events. He labeled Babar as a ‘fake king’, a term that sparked a heated debate among cricket fans and experts.

Shehzad highlighted Babar’s strike rate and average in ICC events, drawing unfavorable comparisons to his own stats from years ago. “You have a strike rate of 112. You have an average of 26 in ICC events. You have played 207 balls in the powerplay but haven’t hit a single six. I think my stats from eight years ago are better than yours. You are a fake King! We play to help win Pakistan tournaments but you are only making a fool of fans on social media with your stats,” Shehzad said, igniting a storm of controversy.

Defending the Captain: Imam-ul-Haq’s Response

In response to Ahmed Shehzad’s harsh critique, Imam-ul-Haq, Pakistan’s Test opener and a close ally of Babar, stepped in to defend his captain. During the same television show, Imam emphasized the need to respect Babar’s contributions and status. He acknowledged that while criticism is part and parcel of professional sports, it should not undermine the respect due to a player of Babar’s stature.

“Everyone has the right to criticize the Pakistan team. But the respect element should never go away. He is your captain. The world has made him a King so it doesn’t make a difference if you consider him that or not. If you want to remove him as a captain then do it, but the respect element should never go away,” Imam stated, underscoring the importance of maintaining dignity in criticism.

Analyzing Babar’s Performance

Babar Azam’s performance in this World Cup has indeed been below expectations. His inability to convert starts into significant scores has been a concern. His highest score of 45 came in the match against Canada, but it was not enough to quell the growing dissatisfaction. His strike rate, traditionally a strong point, has also been under scrutiny, particularly in the powerplay where his cautious approach has not yielded the desired results.

Despite these issues, Babar’s overall record and his importance to the team cannot be ignored. He remains one of the most technically sound and reliable batsmen in the world. His leadership, while currently under fire, has also seen Pakistan achieve significant successes, including reaching the finals of the last T20 World Cup.

The Path Forward for Pakistan

As Pakistan grapples with their current predicament, the focus must shift to their remaining matches in the group stage. The team needs to rally together, addressing both batting and bowling inconsistencies. Babar Azam, as the captain, will have to lead by example, not just with the bat but also in instilling confidence and strategy within the squad.

For Babar, this is a crucial juncture in his career. Overcoming this phase of criticism and turning Pakistan’s fortunes around would solidify his leadership credentials and reaffirm his status as one of the leading figures in international cricket.

The T20 World Cup 2024 has been a challenging tournament for Pakistan and Babar Azam. The scrutiny and criticism, particularly from figures like Ahmed Shehzad, have added to the pressures of a high-stakes competition. However, with support from teammates like Imam-ul-Haq and a focus on rectifying on-field issues, Babar and Pakistan can still aim to end their campaign on a positive note.

In cricket, as in life, challenges and criticism are part of the journey. How Babar Azam responds to this adversity will not only define his legacy but also set the tone for Pakistan’s cricketing future. The world will be watching closely as the drama unfolds in the remaining matches of the T20 World Cup 2024.

Please check for information on the best betting sites in India – https://selectory.org/best-betting-sites/