Former opener Ahmed Shehzad has sparked controversy by criticising national cricket team skipper Babar Azam, alleging that he includes underperforming friends in the squad.
This debate unfolded on a program on a private TV channel featuring an exchange between Shehzad and current opener Imam-ul-Haq, who staunchly defended Babar.
Shehzad accused Babar Azam of favouritism, asserting that some players are selected based on their personal relationships with the captain rather than their performance.
In response, Imam-ul-Haq retorted, “I am considered one of Babar’s friends, yet I am excluded from the T20 team.”
Imam emphasised that team selections and captaincy decisions are the prerogative of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), not Babar Azam.
“The PCB reappointed him as captain. He never requested the board to bestow leadership duties upon him. The authority to appoint or remove the captain lies solely with the PCB,” Imam stated.
During the program, host pointed out that players like Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir, known not to be close friends of Babar Azam, have nonetheless been reinstated in the playing XI.
Shehzad countered, suggesting that their inclusion is due to their connections with top PCB officials, rather than a merit-based decision.
“They are playing because they have ties with the board’s top officials. Their return to the team was facilitated by these connections,” Shehzad alleged.
