As the HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 continues to unfold, Pakistan’s cricketing landscape is buzzing with strong reactions, high-profile defenses, and urgent calls for reform—both on and off the field.
Babar Azam: Still the King?
Under fire for his lackluster performance in PSL 10, Babar Azam has scored just one run in two innings for Peshawar Zalmi, sparking harsh criticism and raising questions about his place in the national side. However, the cricketing fraternity isn’t staying silent.
Karachi Kings’ vice-captain Hasan Ali publicly defended Babar during a post-match press conference, urging fans to show patience. “We made Babar the king, and now we are bringing him down. He will bounce back,” Hasan said. He also condemned toxic online criticism, especially when it involves players’ families.
Meanwhile, Umar Akmal, during a podcast appearance with Ahmed Ali Butt, reacted strongly to a fellow guest who suggested Babar should be dropped. “If Babar is going through a difficult spell, should we speak about him this way?” Umar retorted, visibly upset. As Babar’s cousin and former national cricketer, Umar emphasized Babar’s five-year tenure as captain and global reputation.
Afridi Takes Aim at PCB Politics
Adding to the growing narrative of institutional challenges, Shahid Afridi voiced concerns over the current state of cricket development. Speaking in Gilgit, he remarked, “If I had influence, I’d be PCB chairman today.” He stressed that real change cannot come from reshuffling politically-appointed chairmen but through investment in youth development and competent coaching at the grassroots level.
Afridi was critical of the current domestic cricket setup and called for merit-based appointments, asserting that capable professionals—not bureaucrats—should guide cricket policy. “Changing faces won’t change the system,” he warned.
Conclusion:
While Babar Azam faces on-field struggles, he’s gaining off-field support from some of Pakistan’s most respected cricketing names. Their unified voices not only call for patience with current players but also demand a systemic overhaul of Pakistan cricket. Whether these calls translate into action remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the debate around Pakistan cricket is far from over.
