Imam-ul-Haq counters Shehzad’s criticism on Babar Azam’s selection process for national team

During a television interview, Pakistani cricketers Imam-ul-Haq and Ahmed Shehzad engaged in a heated debate regarding the selection process for the national team. Responding to a fan’s question about the team’s selection criteria, Shehzad alleged that captain Babar Azam had been choosing players based on personal preferences rather than merit.

Shehzad alleged that Babar gave extended playing time to certain players he favored when they were underperforming. Shehzad cited the examples of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, arguing that while these star players often sit out matches against smaller teams, Pakistan’s senior players are always available to play against weaker opponents, denying opportunities to young players in the national squad.

Shehzad criticized the Pakistani cricket team, stating that while the players perform well against weaker opponents, they fail to deliver in major tournaments. He noted that Pakistan has not won an ICC tournament since the Champions Trophy, alleging that there is a “gang” working behind the scenes to prevent new players from getting opportunities on the national team. Shehzad also made the controversial claim that some players run paid social media PR campaigns to portray themselves as heroes.

Shehzad questioned the logic behind Babar Azam’s reappointment as Pakistan’s captain, arguing that it was unfair to Shaheen Afridi. After Babar stepped down as captain following the ODI World Cup, Shaheen had been named the new Pakistan captain. However, Babar was later reinstated as captain ahead of the T20 World Cup.

Imam refuted Shehzad’s claims, defending Babar Azam’s reappointment as captain. He clarified that Babar did not request the captaincy, but rather the board entrusted him with the role once again. Furthermore, Imam reminded Shehzad that Pakistan reached the semifinals of the T20 World Cup in both 2021 and 2022, contradicting Shehzad’s allegation that the players had underperformed.

Imam objected to Shehzad’s claims that Babar selected certain players due to personal friendships. Shehzad responded by acknowledging Imam’s defense of Babar Azam, noting that Imam was bound by a central contract. Shehzad added that he too had made similar comments when he was Imam’s age. In a stinging reply, Imam told Shehzad he should have raised these concerns while still playing for the Pakistan team, rather than after retiring.

The host noted that Imad and Amir were still included in the T20 World Cup team despite Azam picking players of his preference.

Shehzad responded that Imad and Amir made a comeback because the players backed by the captain had underperformed. He also said both Imad and Amir had direct contact with the chairman. Shehzad then criticized Babar Azam, stating that Imad had done a lot for Babar, and that Babar should have asked Imad not to retire.

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