Ahmed Shehzad launched a pointed critique against former Pakistan captain Babar Azam, accusing him of showing favoritism in team selection. The recent failure of the Pakistan team in the Champions Trophy has once again placed them under intense scrutiny, with senior figures like Babar facing significant backlash. This tournament marked a crucial test for captain Mohammad Rizwan, who assumed the white-ball leadership from Babar following the 2023 T20 World Cup, yet Pakistan experienced another disappointing exit in the group stage.

In recent years, Pakistan has undergone numerous changes in its leadership structure, which has adversely affected the team's performance in ICC events. The early departure from the Champions Trophy is particularly painful for a nation that had celebrated hosting its first major cricket tournament in nearly three decades.

Shehzad expressed his concerns regarding Babar, who was once seen as a potential leader to restore the Pakistan team's former glory but has not succeeded in that regard. The sidelined batter accused Babar of prioritizing friends in team selection, claiming he has overlooked deserving candidates from domestic cricket.

"It is disheartening to witness his current state. At the beginning of his career, it appeared he would shatter all records for Pakistan. However, the situation is evident—players do not underperform for such an extended period. Appointing a performer as captain was a misstep. After assuming the role, he surrounded himself with friends and selected them for the team, ignoring merit. When favoritism prevails over deserving players, the progression of domestic cricket stagnates, as genuine talents are deprived of opportunities," Shehzad remarked to India Today.

‘Political interference has always been there in Pakistan cricket…’

Pakistan has now faced elimination from the group stage in three consecutive white-ball ICC tournaments. Their exit from the 2023 ODI World Cup in India marked the beginning of this trend.

This was subsequently followed by their departure at the same stage during the T20 World Cup held in the United States and West Indies last year.

Shehzad also addressed the issue of political interference in Pakistan cricket, asserting that the team's lack of discipline has significantly contributed to its decline.

"Political interference has always existed; there is no question about that. However, the current state of the team cannot be attributed solely to the past two years—this has been an ongoing issue. Without implementing reforms, respecting merit, and managing indiscipline within the team, it is inevitable that such results will occur," Shehzad remarked.

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