Babar Azam needs to improve his English, personality: Former Pakistan cricketer

Pakistan’s limited-overs captain Babar Azam needs to improve his personality and command over the English language, according to former cricketer Tanvir Ahmed, on Saturday, in a YouTube video.

Tanvir feels Babar needs grooming as he will be required to communicate often with the media as the captain of the Pakistan team.

“Try to improve your personality. By personality, I mean a person can change his dressing sense,” said Tanvir. “Babar Azam also needs to improve his English, which is necessary. Whenever someone becomes a captain, he has to talk during the toss and post-match presentation. Plus, he will also give interviews on various channels when he tours different countries.”

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Former right-arm pacer also advised the Lahore-born batsman to lead by example on and off the field.

“A leader needs to be punctual and organised as the players follow the captain. He should also maintain his fitness level, because if the captain himself isn’t fit, then he can’t advise other players on improving their fitness,” he said.

“It remains to be seen how Babar leads the team. He needs to be mentally strong as even a slight dip in performance as captain will invite a lot criticism from media. So he will have to tolerate the criticism and not react to it. If he reacts, then things will get very difficult for him,” he added.

Finally, the 41-year-old was pleased with Babar’s progress and wished him the best for the job ahead.

“Captaincy isn’t an easy job. However, I am happy for Babar as he has become captain after only five years since making his debut in 2015. If any player becomes a captain in such a short period of time, then it is an extra-ordinary achievement for him,” he concluded.