Eng vs Pak: Babar Azam Responds To Shoaib Akhtar's 'Lack Of Stars In Pakistan' Comment

In a virtual press conference, skipper Babar Azam was adamant that he would back Pakistan cricket team during this tough phase.

(Photo by ARIF ALI, AFP via Getty Images) / Facebook

Pakistan’s former fast-bowler Shoaib Akhtar, on his Youtube video on Wednesday, slammed Pakistan cricket team for "hopeless performance" against an inexperienced England which resulted in a 3-0 ODI series whitewash, adding that the Men In Green lack stars in the national squad.

Reacting to Shoaib Akhtar’s comments in a virtual press conference, the 26-year-old said that all Pakistani players were giving their 100 per cent and that he wouldn’t argue with Akhtar or give his comments on the matter. 

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“I think he [Shoaib Akhtar] doesn’t think so, but all the players are giving their 100 per cent everywhere. I think you should ask him who a star is and who isn't. I can't argue or give comments on this,” Babar said.

“If we talk about the batting, the ball was coming on with a bit of double pace early on. We were trying to get a partnership going. The longer we took it, the better for us because we could have recovered towards the end. I had a partnership with Imam and then another good one with Mohammad Rizwan. I think the score was enough. We could have scored more but lost some back-to-back wickets,” he said.

“In the first two matches, our batting let us down. We lost early wickets in the first ten overs. We didn’t have momentum because of that. I have said it before as well that we lost the match today because of bowling and fielding,” he added.

Babar was adamant that he would back Pakistan cricket team during this tough phase.

“Waqar [Younis] bhai has been working with all bowlers. I think the bowlers didn’t bowl their line and lengths right on the pitch. The bowlers had given outstanding performances in our recent home and away series. Everyone has bad days, but I will back my team. We will try to sit down and discuss our mistakes. When you sit down and discuss, it makes things easier. I will keep trying to back my team and the more I do it, the better it is for the team. Our bowlers have won us many matches and will continue to do so,” he concluded.