Former Pakistan fast bowler Waqar Younis is concerned that the national team is losing Babar Azam as a batter due to the demands of Test captaincy. Waqar delivered his speech during a charity fundraising event in Manchester on September 21, 2026, with fellow legend Wasim Akram.
Babar Azam was named Pakistan’s Test captain on July 5, 2026, succeeding Shan Masood ahead of visits to the West Indies and England. Pakistan tied the two-match series in the West Indies 1-1 before losing 3-0 in England, including defeats at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs and Lord’s by 194 runs.
The series result has increased scrutiny of Babar Azam leadership and batting performance. He has not struck a Test century in nearly four years, having last done so in December 2022. Pakistan is now ninth in the World Test Championship standings, with four points, after being fined 11 points for a sluggish overrate in the third Test at Edgbaston.
What did Waqar Younis say about Babar Azam’s captaincy?
Waqar claimed he had no qualms about Babar’s ability as a batter, but believes the captaincy is harming his performance at the crease. He saw that when Babar takes on leadership responsibilities, his personal performances deteriorate.
Babar’s previous Test captaincy lasted from 2020 to 2023, and he oversaw 20 Tests, winning 10 and losing six, and drawing four.
What else happened on Pakistan’s England tour?
Pakistan experienced substantial off-field turmoil during its tour to England. Following the second Test defeat, the Pakistan Cricket Board, led by chairman Mohsin Naqvi, ordered seven players home and began reorganizing the coaching staff.
Babar Azam claimed publicly at the toss prior to the third Test that he had no say in the decision to send those players home and had not been informed by the board. Wasim Akram, who also spoke at the Manchester event, chastised Babar for failing to support his squad and claimed that he should have stepped down following the second Test defeat.
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The 3-0 series result, the points deduction, and internal upheaval have put Pakistan’s World Test Championship aspirations in jeopardy heading into the next cycle.
