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"Babar Azam Has An Ego Issue": Former Cricketer Fires Shots At Ex-Pakistan Captain

Jatin

Babar Azam has been in dismal form [Source: @BabarAzam_152/x.com]Babar Azam has been in dismal form [Source: @BabarAzam_152/x.com]

Pakistan’s biggest batting name is in the spotlight again and not for the right reasons. While Babar Azam continues to search for runs, Zaheer Abbas, one of the greatest batters Pakistan has ever produced, has delivered a brutally honest verdict and he didn’t hold back.

Zaheer Abbas Slammed Babar Azam For Not Seeking Help Amid Form Slump

At a time when Babar Azam’s bat has gone eerily quiet and questions keep piling up, Zaheer’s comments feel less like criticism and more like a wake-up call.

“I think either Babar has an ego issue or is too shy to seek advice from his seniors in overcoming his current situation,” Zaheer told PTI.

That’s a punch straight to the gut and maybe, just maybe, exactly what Babar needs to hear right now.

Babar’s rough patch isn’t just “bad luck” anymore. It’s been months of middling returns. His last international century came way back during the 2023 Asia Cup against Nepal, no less.

In the tri-nation series with New Zealand and South Africa, he was promoted to open, but the numbers didn’t follow. Scores of 10, 23, and 29 had fans scratching their heads. The Champions Trophy 2025 offered another shot at redemption but a 64 vs New Zealand and 23 vs India were the only blips of resistance in a sea of soft dismissals.

“His Stance Is Closed Up”: Zaheer Spots A Technical Flaw

Zaheer Abbas has 100+ first-class centuries to his name. He knows a thing or two about what makes a batter tick.

“I think because of his closed stance, he is struggling to time his shots and is getting out early,” Zaheer added, referring to Babar’s visibly more closed stance at the crease.

In a game where fractions of a second matter, even a slight shift in body shape can ruin your timing and Babar’s usually silken strokeplay just hasn’t looked the same lately.

Too Big To Ask For Help?

But what’s got Zaheer most concerned isn’t Babar’s footwork, it’s his mindset.

The former captain recalled how, back in the day, ego took a backseat to growth. Rivalries never got in the way of learning. He cited moments when Younis Khan took advice from Azharuddin, and Saeed Anwar turned to Sunil Gavaskar for guidance.

“Azharuddin had sought guidance from me during India’s tour to Pakistan in 1989-90… I told him to change his grip,” Zaheer said.

So what’s stopping Babar from reaching out? That’s the million-dollar question.

However, despite the slump, Babar continues to enjoy the support of the team management. They have stuck with him as an opener through thick and thin but even the most patient dressing rooms have their limits. If something doesn’t change soon, Babar risks falling deeper into a hole he could have climbed out of long ago.