Former Pakistan cricketer Mushtaq Ahmed believes that Babar Azam could leave the field momentarily during the upcoming ICC World Cup 2023 matches.
It must be noted that Azam went off the field in the first innings for a few overs during Pakistan’s last match against Sri Lanka on Tuesday.
Mushtaq believes that going off the field can be beneficial for a captain.
“When I was working with the England team, we told Alastair Cook that whenever he is in a tight spot he should come off the field and talk to the management about how he feels and the game plan. The discussion with the coaching staff helped change the course of matches on many occasions, both in Test and ODI cricket, when Cook again went back on the field,” said Mushtaq while speaking on a local news channel.
“In my opinion, Babar will go off the field whenever Pakistan will be in a difficult position in the coming matches as well. Babar will take a break and speak to the coaching staff since sending messages from the dressing room undermines a captain. The captain coming off the field is a better thing to do,” he added.
Earlier, legendary Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi revealed his conversation with the Azam after the win over Sri Lanka — which was the Men in Green’s second victory in as many matches during the mega event.
Afridi said that he backed Azam, who has only scored a total of 15 runs in the first two matches of the World Cup, to notch up big scores in the coming matches.
“I spoke to Babar Azam last night and congratulated him about the win,” Afridi said.
“I told him to be confident since he is a big match player. I backed him to score big in coming matches. When Babar replied to my message, he also seemed positive and eager to do well.
“He was unlucky in the last match but I’m sure he will score hundred in the big matches.”
- Babar Azam
