Following a dismal showing in the 2025 Champions Trophy, where Pakistan was eliminated in the group stage without securing a single victory in their three matches, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) made significant changes in preparation for the upcoming five-match series in New Zealand. Consequently, Babar Azam was removed from the squad, along with captain Mohammad Rizwan.

Babar has faced ongoing scrutiny regarding his performance across all formats. During the Champions Trophy, he managed to score only 126 runs in three matches, including a lackluster 64 in a losing effort. His performance drew sharp criticism from former cricketers, with the renowned Shoaib Akhtar labeling him a "fraud."

In response to the backlash, Babar's father, Azam Siddique, issued a pointed critique of both the PCB's decision to drop his son and the critics themselves. On social media, Siddique posted a detailed message expressing his confidence in Babar's ability to rebound in the T20 format.

He stated, "The boss is always right. A member of the ICC's Twenty20 team of the year, and yet he faces exclusion. That is acceptable. He will excel in the National T20 and the PSL. Insha Allah, he will return to form soon. This is the only honorable path. The former players are indeed significant figures, and I urge them to choose their words wisely. If someone responds, they may find it difficult to handle. You belong to the past, and that door will remain closed."

He continued, "Some may argue that a father should remain silent, but in the eyes of the Holy Prophet, he is his first and last coach, spokesperson, mentor, and the most devoted supporter. For those who lack such support, I kindly ask for patience and urge cricket enthusiasts, who have been vocal in their criticism, to reflect on the achievements of these players during their own careers. A glance at the PCB website should suffice for those who are wise. Long live Pakistan."

Why did Pakistan drop Babar, Rizwan?

Pakistan's interim head coach and national selector, Aaqib Javed, articulated on Tuesday that the choice to exclude Babar and Rizwan from the upcoming tour to New Zealand was made to experiment with a fresh strategy and cultivate a new mentality among the players in alignment with contemporary T20 cricket.

"Observing other teams, it is evident that a significant portion of them maintain separate T20 squads, with approximately 70 percent distinction. We are also focusing on this aspect in preparation for the Asia Cup and the World T20 Cup. It is essential for our players to embrace a fearless style of play," he conveyed to the media in Lahore.

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