Imad, Amir explain why criticism grapples Babar Azam after Pakistan’s losses

Pakistan cricket team’s recent losses in World Cup 2023 has seen much of the criticism centering on the team’s captain, Babar Azam. 

On a local sports show, Pakistan all-rounder Imad Wasim and former pacer Mohammad Amir were asked by an audience member that the phenomenon of criticizing Babar has led to a common pattern in discussions following Pakistan’s matches – when the team wins, accolades are heaped upon players like Fakhar Zaman and Shaheen Shah Afridi, but when they lose, the blame often falls on the captain.

Responding the question, Amir explained that this pattern reflects the nature of sports discussions, where experts often seek to understand the reasons behind a team’s victory or defeat. They analyze the game, player performances, and leadership decisions as they attempt to make sense of the outcome and provide constructive feedback or critique. 

“When you lose it is because some of the reasons and factors due to which your team loses. Then point out those mistakes, whether it’s the batter or the bowler who didn’t bowl well. And then you discuss the captain that he took the wrong decision at this point. Since captain is the leader mostly, he is discussed after any loss,” Amir said.

Imad, echoing similar sentiments, highlighted that captaincy scrutiny is not unique to Pakistan. 

“Who is the captain of Pakistan team? Who else should we criticize? When India loses, Rohit Sharma is criticized, when Pakistan loses, Babar is criticized, when Australia will lose, Australian captain will be criticized,” Imad said.

A fan asks Imad and Amir when Pakistan wins you say its because of Fakhar, Shaheen etc and when Pakistan loses its because of Babar, why is that? pic.twitter.com/bzWs63qqS4

— Ghumman (@emclub77) November 5, 2023

It is worth noting that Pakistan rejuvenated its prospects in the ICC World Cup 2023 by securing a crucial 21-run victory over New Zealand through the DLS method in Bengaluru on Saturday.