Saeed Ajmal criticizes PCB for dropping Babar Azam from New Zealand T20Is

Former Pakistan cricketer Saeed Ajmal has strongly criticized the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for dropping Babar Azam from the squad for the upcoming T20I series against New Zealand. The five-match series is set to begin on Sunday.  

Babar has been facing criticism due to his recent performances across different formats, including the ongoing ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025. In that tournament, he has scored only 87 runs in two innings at an average of 43.50. His form has led to discussions about his place in the team, and the selectors decided to leave him out of the squad for the New Zealand series.  

Ajmal, however, believes this decision is unfair. He warned the PCB against disrespecting Babar and also urged former cricketers to stop unnecessary criticism.  

"You have only one star. If you degrade him also, then how will your cricket run? These are the big issues. Our former cricketers should keep their mouths shut," Ajmal said in an interview with an Indian sports magazine.  

He defended Babar by pointing out that every player goes through bad phases. Ajmal gave the example of Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar, saying that even he could not score in every match.  

"As a cricketer, one must realise that bad patches are part of a player’s career. You can’t play cricket the same way all your life. Even if you were Tendulkar, you couldn’t score 100 in every match," he said.  

Ajmal also criticized the PCB’s handling of the situation. He said that instead of dropping Babar and white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan, the board should have talked to them about their performances and managed their workload.  

"The way you’ve removed them is wrong. It’s not like they are the only ones who haven’t scored," he said. "Ideally, the selectors should sit with Babar and discuss his workload, so he can come back stronger."  

He further dismissed concerns about Babar and Rizwan’s strike rates, comparing them to Virat Kohli’s approach.  

"Come on, what aggression are we talking about? If they are your proven matchwinners, you don’t need aggression. Even legends like Virat often pace their innings before attacking—that’s his style," Ajmal concluded.