‘Babar needs to step up in big games’

Misbah emphasises that achievements without pressure are insignificant

Former cricketer Misbah-ul-Haq criticised Pakistan skipper Babar Azam for failing to perform under pressure in ICC tournaments.

Pakistan has lost two games in the ongoing T20 World Cup and needs to win the remaining matches to qualify for the Super 8.

On a local sports channel, Misbah pointed out Babar’s inability to deliver in crucial moments.

“Babar Azam is playing his fourth World Cup [as captain]. When the pressure situation comes, he needs to prove himself – this is where you see, am I better, or is Virat Kohli better? Babar had to step up and now we are almost out [of the T20 World Cup],” Misbah said.

Misbah emphasized that achievements without pressure are insignificant and that Babar has failed to lead the team effectively in four World Cups since 2019.

“No one counts your performances without pressure. He is such a big player with lots of performances, so this is the stage to take your team forward and inspire them, but he is unable to do that,” Misbah said.

“Since 2019, we have three T20 World Cups and one Cricket World Cup, but he could not perform as he should have, which is one of the reasons behind Pakistan’s struggles,” he added.

Pakistan will face Canada on June 11 and Ireland on June 16 in their last two T20 World Cup matches.

Low morale

Pakistan’s assistant coach, Azhar Mahmood, discussed the team’s low morale following their T20 World Cup loss to India in New York.

The Men in Green fell short of a 120-run target, scoring only 113/7 against India. This marked their second defeat in the tournament.

While speaking in press conference on Monday, Mahmood noted the team is particularly disheartened by the loss to India, but stressed the need to boost morale, emphasizing they still have a chance to rebound.

“After two defeats, everyone is quite disheartened. Losing against India is more disappointing than a defeat against the USA,” he said.

“At the moment, everyone’s morale in the team is down, it’s necessary to lift it as we can still bounce back and we won’t lose hope until it’s over,” he added.

Mahmood attributed the defeat to poor shot selection, noting the team’s run rate dropped significantly after the 15th over. He stressed that the loss was a collective failure, with both players and management sharing responsibility.

“Our shot selection wasn’t right, which led to a run rate of 10. We were playing well until the 15th over. We lost as a team and can’t blame individuals,” he maintained.

“The responsibility of failure lies with the entire management, we all have made mistakes,” he added.

Mahmood highlighted the importance of confidence, stating that doubting one’s abilities can be detrimental.

“If a player starts doubting their ability, it becomes very difficult. If we play with confidence in ourselves, it will prove everyone wrong,” he said.

He also warned against underestimating Canada, stating anyone who does has no place in international cricket.

“Now there’s no room for misunderstandings. If someone considers any opponent easy, they don’t have a place in international cricket,” he stated.

“There are players in Canada who can perform against us. We have to win this match at all costs now,” he concluded.

To qualify for the Super 8, Pakistan must win their next matches against Canada on June 11 and Ireland on June 16, and hope USA loses to India and Ireland.