Shahid Afridi and Wasim Akram have responded to Babar Azam’s comments, where the Pakistan skipper defended himself against criticism, stating that he is not under pressure despite a lackluster performance in the World Cup.
Afridi, while speaking on a local TV channel, emphasized the importance of focusing on playing well and delivering performances that silence critics, rather than engaging in verbal exchanges.
“That response wasn’t needed at all. Just focus on playing well. Perform in a way that no one has to call you,” Afridi said while speaking on a local TV channel.
Akram also echoed similar thoughts and said,” If you do well, everything goes fine. But if you don’t, then you have to be answerable to people and the press. And don’t worry about what people say, you need to be immune to this.”
Babar had blasted his critics on Friday, telling them “it’s easy to give advice on TV” as he refused to surrender his World Cup dreams.
“I have not performed the way I should have in the World Cup, that’s why people are saying that I am under pressure. I am under no pressure,” Babar had said in a pre-match press conference.
“Everyone has their own point of view, their own way of thinking. Everyone is saying something different. He should be like this, or like that.
“If someone has to give me advice, everyone has my number. It is easy to give advice on TV. If you want to give me some advice, you can message me.”
Azam has made 282 runs at the tournament with an average of just over 40 and four fifties. However, as captain, he has overseen four defeats in eight games including a shock loss to Afghanistan and a shattering one-wicket defeat to South Africa.
They stayed alive in the tournament last week-end when Fakhar Zaman’s unbeaten 81-ball 126 not out inspired a rain-hit win over New Zealand despite the Black Caps having piled up 401-6.
Azam insisted his team has not given up hope of pulling off victory over England despite the huge margin required.—Agencies
