Babar Azam wouldn't fit in top T20I teams, says Shoaib Malik

Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has criticised T20I skipper Babar Azam, stating he wouldn't fit in any top international T20 team.

Malik's remarks came after Pakistan's early exit from the T20 World Cup, where they lost to both the USA and India. Pakistan needed Ireland to beat the USA to stay in the tournament, but the match was rained out.

Malik acknowledged Babar's talent but questioned his suitability for leading teams like Australia, India, or England in T20I cricket.

"Who is our best player? Our best player is Babar Azam. I am just talking about the top four to five teams. Can Babar fit into the playing XI of those teams? Of Australia, India or England in just this particular format? The answer is no," Malik stated on a local sports show.

This criticism follows Pakistan's disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup, adding fuel to ongoing discussions about the team's strategy and leadership. Babar Azam, despite being Pakistan’s top player, faces scrutiny over his role in the T20I format, reflecting broader concerns about Pakistan's competitiveness on the global stage.

Earlier, former Indian cricketer-turned-commentator Parthiv Patel had also slammed Babar Azam, calling him a "selfish player" and describing Pakistan as a "weak team"

During an interview, Patel highlighted the Pakistan team's decline and expressed his concerns about Babar's leadership, stating, "When your captain is selfish, then there is no chance."