Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has launched a sharp public criticism of Babar Azam's personality and captaincy, saying strong or firm decisions cannot be expected from the current Pakistan captain or the broader management group. His remarks came as Pakistan stared at a series whitewash against England, trailing by 268 runs in the third Test at Edgbaston after being bowled out for 133 in their first innings against England's total of 453.
The criticism followed a turbulent mid-tour period
in which the Pakistan Cricket Board removed seven players from the touring squad after Pakistan's defeat at Lord's. Five of the seven replacements called up had never played Test cricket. PCB also dismissed Test coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul, replacing them with white-ball coaches Mike Hesson and Ashley Noffke. Babar confirmed he had not been consulted before the announcement, which Akhtar vehemently criticised.
"Look, Tanveer, you are asking two different people two different questions. Had it been me, everyone knows what would have happened. That is a very simple thing. "If he isn't able to do it, it's because that is his own personality. His own personality is visible in his game; it's visible in his decisions, it's visible in everything. So, you know, you cannot ask too much from this team, and including the captain, and and the rest of the pack. You can't ask too much. What can you expect from them," Akhtar said, speaking on PTV Sports.
England had already won the first Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs and the second Test at Lord's by 194 runs. The third Test at Edgbaston commenced on September 9, 2026. At stumps on day two, Pakistan had reached 52 for 2 in their second innings, still 216 runs behind on first-innings figures.
What did Shoaib Akhtar say about Babar Azam's personality?
Akhtar addressed the question of whether Babar could have handled the squad overhaul differently, drawing a direct contrast between his own approach and what he observed from the current captain. He made clear that Babar's conduct reflected a broader pattern visible across the captain's game and decision-making. Akhtar extended his criticism beyond Babar to the wider system.
"So, as of now, the failure belongs to the system. And the bet that we had placed, the investment we had made, that investment is in front of you. But, you know, you cannot expect a strong decision, or a very firm decision, from people like them," Akhtar said.
Where does Pakistan stand in the Edgbaston Test?
Pakistan's position at Edgbaston remained difficult heading into day three. Their first-innings total of 133 left them 268 runs behind England's 453, and Ollie Robinson struck twice in his opening over of Pakistan's second innings to put the visitors under immediate pressure. Pakistan closed day two on 52 for 2, still needing 216 more runs simply to make England bat again.
Robinson has been the standout bowler of the series, taking 21 wickets at an average under seven runs each across the three Tests. Pakistan's batting unit has struggled throughout the tour, and the mid-series overhaul that brought in five uncapped Test players has not yet produced a visible improvement in the third match. A defeat at Edgbaston would complete a 3-0 series whitewash for England.
