Shoaib Akhtar takes a dig at Babar Azam after disappointing T20 World Cup campaign

Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar didn't mince words when discussing current captain Babar Azam's leadership during the T20 World Cup campaign currently being co-hosted by the USA and West Indies.

In a recent interview at a local sports channel, Akhtar questioned the decision-making process behind appointing Azam as captain.

"Who made Babar Azam the captain in the first place? Who was the Einstein? I need to know that guy. Does he qualify for this job? Does he even know anything about captaincy? I've been saying that Babar Azam is not a captain material," Akhtar said.

He further elaborated on Azam's role within the team, suggesting a change in batting position.

"What's going to happen to Babar now? He is now going to come down at number 4. He has to finish the games. He has to win the games, if he doesn't, he won't be able to keep his place in T20I. I am telling you right now. He won't be able to find his place in ODIs if he can't finish. The finisher Babar has to come out again. That's when the character comes out. He needs to get in that kind of a position. I am bluntly telling this to Babar, you need to remain a superstar. Get to know how to finish games," he concluded.

The Men in Green experienced a disappointing T20 World Cup campaign as they were eliminated from the tournament without reaching the super eight round. Led by Babar Azam, the team was placed in Group A alongside India, USA, Canada, and Ireland.

They suffered consecutive defeats at the hands of the co-hosts USA and their arch-rivals India. However, they managed to win their last two group matches against Canada and Ireland, concluding their tournament with two wins and two losses, earning a total of four points.