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Babar Azam was encouraged to follow in the footsteps of Graeme Smith. Skipper Babar Azam has been advised by wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal to follow in the footsteps of former South Africa captain Graeme Smith.
Smith became the first captain to captain more than 100 Test matches when he was 22 years old. Under his leadership, the Proteas rose to fame as a cricketing powerhouse.
"Babar Azam is a brilliant batter but there are still question marks regarding his captaincy. As captain, he should be more confident while also working on his body language. "He's been captain for three years, and now it's time to deliver," Akmal remarked to the media on Sunday in Lahore.
"It is a World Cup year which is why he should be more active as captain. Graeme Smith was likewise a young captain when he was appointed. "I believe Babar should take a page from Smith's book," he continued.
According to veteran cricketer Misbah Ul Haq, Azam was reportedly targeted amid rumours of a possible change in the national team skipper.
Misbah, who previously served as Pakistan's head coach and top selector, voiced dissatisfaction with the reports surrounding Azam's captaincy.
"The manner in which Babar Azam has been targeted is unacceptable. Changes should be made only after a comprehensive assessment of the situation, regardless of who is the captain. Decisions should not be made just to exert pressure on others," Misbah told reporters in Lahore on Sunday.
It should be mentioned that Azam is presently preparing for the eighth season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he will captain his new side Peshawar Zalmi, which begins on February 13 in Multan.
