Michael Vaughan slams disrespect towards Babar Azam

Former England cricketer Michael Vaughan has expressed his disapproval of the lack of respect shown to Pakistan’s captain, Babar Azam, amidst criticism he’s facing during the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023. 

While talking to Cricbuzz, Vaughan emphasized that it is harder to captain a 50-over team since it requires more management. 

“Sometimes in T20 cricket the game sets itself up naturally. I’m not saying that the captain doesn’t do anything. I don’t think there is much management in T20 cricket as it does in ODI cricket. There is more to do as captain in 50-over and Test matches, managing players and scenarios. I think it is harder to captain a 50-over team,” Vaughan said.

Vaughan passionately defended Azam, labeling him a “wonderful and world-class player and expressed his dismay over the leaked stories regarding Shaheen Afridi potentially taking over as the captain of the Pakistan.

“I just don’t like the lack of respect that Babar Azam is being shown. I think it is a disgrace. There are stories being leaked about Shaheen Afridi being the captain. Babar Azam is a wonderful and world class player. He has been fantastic for Pakistan and the world game,” he further added.

Lastly, Vaughan urged fans and critics to withhold judgment on the captain’s abilities until the conclusion of the World Cup. He emphasized the importance of supporting the team during the tournament and refraining from making hasty decisions based on gossip and speculation.

“When you see these kinds of stories during a World Cup, leave it till the end. If at the end of the World Cup, you don’t think he is the right person as captain to take Pakistan forward, no problem, you are allowed to make that decision. During the tournament, when there is gossip coming from the board and people within Pakistan cricket. I find it really disrespectful,” he concluded.

I do not think they have treated Babar well at all: Harsha Bhogle

I just don’t like the lack of respect that Babar is being given. I just think it is a disgrace:
Michael Vaughan♥️🙌#WorldCup2023 #BabarAzam #PAKvBAN #PAKvsBAN
pic.twitter.com/sb6QwnuAsZ

— Shaharyar Ejaz 🏏 (@SharyOfficial) October 31, 2023

In the wake of Pakistan’s poor performance in the World Cup, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has seemingly distanced itself from the team, which was ironically evident in a recent media release meant to express support.