Salman Butt Defends Babar Azam Amidst Resignation and Criticism

Salman Butt Defends Babar Azam Amidst Resignation and Criticism

Salman Butt Defends Babar Azam Amidst Resignation and Criticism

Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt has come to the defense of Babar Azam following his resignation as the team’s white-ball captain. The move came after ex-pacer Sikander Bakht criticized Azam’s leadership and performance during the recent T20 World Cup.

Bakht had suggested that Azam should have stepped down immediately after Pakistan’s group stage exit, saying, “You finally felt ashamed!” However, Butt believes that such criticism is unwarranted.

“Respect is given to those who have earned it,” Butt said on a TV show. “It’s unfortunate to criticize a player who has been Pakistan’s best for the past five years.”

Butt highlighted Azam’s consistent contributions to Pakistan cricket, including his impressive batting record and leadership qualities. He emphasized the need to recognize Azam’s accomplishments, regardless of personal opinions.

“You can like or dislike any person, but you should consider the player’s stature while criticizing,” Butt concluded.

Azam’s resignation has sparked mixed reactions within the cricket community. Some have questioned his decision, while others have expressed support for his leadership. Butt’s defense underscores the importance of acknowledging Azam’s significant contributions to Pakistan cricket amidst leadership changes.

Pakistan's Test Cricket Woes Deepen with Historic Defeat to Bangladesh

Pakistan’s Test Cricket Woes Deepen with Historic Defeat to Bangladesh

Pakistan’s Test cricket woes reached a new low on Tuesday as they suffered a humiliating 2-0 series defeat at the hands of Bangladesh. It was the first time the Tigers had ever triumphed in a Test series against Pakistan, marking a historic low for the once-formidable side.

The series loss has sparked widespread criticism, with former batter Salman Butt emerging as a vocal critic. However, Butt has taken aim at those who have called for Pakistan’s batters to increase their strike rate in Test cricket.

“The strike rate mafia and intent mafia are basically illiterates of cricket,” Butt said in a video on his YouTube channel. “They have no idea about the format they are talking about.”

Butt argued that Test cricket is about patience and building partnerships, not about scoring runs quickly. “You lose within four days and come back, what are you going to do by playing fast? You played just 46 overs. What hurry do you have? Why don’t you understand that your job is to bat long?”

Butt also questioned the logic of comparing Pakistan’s batters to the likes of Joe Root, Virat Kohli, and Rohit Sharma, who are known for their aggressive approach in limited-overs cricket. “Do the greats of the game play like highlights? Do they score runs in this fashion?” he asked.

Pakistan’s Test ranking has plummeted to eighth, their lowest since 1965. The series loss to Bangladesh is the latest in a string of setbacks for the side, which has also suffered a historic whitewash in their two-match home Test series against England.

The defeat has had a significant impact on the ICC World Test Championship standings. Bangladesh’s 2-0 series win has seen them leapfrog England to number four, while Pakistan has dropped to eighth position.

Babar Azam to Bat at Number Four in Pakistan's Test Series Against Bangladesh

Babar Azam to Bat at Number Four in Pakistan’s Test Series Against Bangladesh

Pakistan’s former cricketer Salman Butt has lauded Babar Azam’s fitness and consistent performance over the past two years. Butt emphasized the importance of maintaining fitness, especially after Pakistan’s disappointing performance at the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Sources have revealed that Babar Azam will bat at number four in Pakistan’s upcoming two-match Test series against Bangladesh. Captain Shan Masood will bat at number three, while Abdullah Shafique’s position as opener remains secure.

Butt praised Azam’s ability to score runs in both the first and second innings, demonstrating his fitness and adaptability. He expressed concern over the team’s fitness issues, which have been a topic of discussion since the T20 World Cup.

The two-match Test series against Bangladesh will commence on August 21 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. Jason Gillespie will make his debut as Pakistan’s Test coach during the series. The second Test will be played in Karachi from August 30 to September 3.

Due to ongoing renovations at the National Stadium in Karachi, spectators will not be allowed during the second Test match.

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