Pakistan’s batting mainstay Babar Azam has come under fire on social media for his recent underwhelming performances in international cricket. In the recently concluded two-Test series against Bangladesh, Azam managed a meager 64 runs across four innings, continuing a string of poor batting displays that have failed to yield victories for Pakistan.
Azam’s struggles have sparked a barrage of criticism and false memes on social media, with some even resorting to spreading fake news about his retirement. Following his scores of 31 and 11 in the second Test in Rawalpindi, a fabricated retirement post gained traction on social media.
Despite relinquishing his captaincy after the 2023 ICC ODI World Cup, Azam was reinstated for the 2024 T20 World Cup. However, his recent Test performances have been dismal, with only 190 runs in his last 10 innings at an average of 19. His average in the 50-over format has also declined to 34.
In T20Is, Azam has maintained an average of 38 over the past year. Under his captaincy, Pakistan suffered a disappointing group-stage exit at the 2024 ICC T20 World Cup in the USA and West Indies, losing to the USA and India.
Azam’s poor form has raised concerns among fans and experts alike, who are questioning his ability to lead Pakistan’s batting lineup. The pressure on the 29-year-old is mounting, and he will need to find his form quickly to silence his critics and restore Pakistan’s fortunes on the international stage.
