Akmal’s Statement on Babar and Rizwan Sparks Debate

Following Kamran Akmal’s suggestion to limit Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s roles in the national team, Babar Azam’s father, Azam Siddique, has responded strongly. Akmal’s comments implied that the pair should primarily focus on Test cricket.

During a recent podcast appearance, Kamran Akmal asserted that excluding Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan from Pakistan’s T20I squad was “absolutely the correct choice.”

He posited that both players are more apt for the longer format of the game. Akmal elaborated, “In my view, they ought to be reserved exclusively for Test matches moving forward. Perhaps after an additional six months, their participation should be limited to Test cricket only.”

Akmal further considered their place in the ODI format, stating, “In another six months, they should be excluded from ODIs as well, given the infrequency of Test matches for Pakistan currently. Test cricket is often overlooked. However, Test cricket remains fundamental for the development of genuine players.”

He highlighted the importance of strong performances in Test cricket as the bedrock for success across all formats. Akmal explained, “Excelling in Test cricket requires more than just T20 experience. Proficiency in Test matches allows players to adapt to ODIs and T20s effectively.”

In response, Siddique posted an old picture on Instagram featuring himself, Babar Azam, and Kamran Akmal, accompanied by a caption that seemed to indirectly address Akmal’s viewpoints.

He alluded to the former wicketkeeper, noting, “This individual (Babar) never played under your captaincy. Conversely, you were under his captaincy and were dismissed for a duck, while he achieved a century on that particular day. Criticizing successful people is often a habit of those who are unsuccessful.”

Siddique also incorporated a Turkish proverb, stating: “If someone professes to be your brother, they should clarify whether they embody the characteristics of Habil or Qabil (referencing the story of Abel and Cain).”

Previously, Akmal had also voiced criticism of Babar’s father for his public comments regarding his son’s career. Akmal suggested that family members should abstain from commenting on a player’s professional decisions.

“I experienced challenging periods as well, but I advised my father and brothers to refrain from speaking publicly; it was my personal matter,” he stated. “Speaking negatively against the cricket board is inappropriate as well,” he added.

Notably, Babar—who led Pakistan in three consecutive ICC Men’s T20 World Cups (2021, 2022, and 2024)—last participated in a T20I in December 2023.

Subsequently, he has been excluded, missing both the home series against New Zealand in March and the ongoing three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, which commenced on May 28 in Lahore.

The 30-year-old, who has faced scrutiny due to a modest performance in T20Is, has not recorded a half-century since his innings of 75 runs against Ireland in May 2023.

He has participated in 128 T20Is for Pakistan, amassing 4,223 runs at an average of 39.83, encompassing three centuries and 36 half-centuries.

Earlier in the year, both Babar and Rizwan were left out of the five-match T20I series in New Zealand as selectors aimed to evaluate emerging players. Since then, neither player has been reinstated into the T20I squad.

In another key development, Mohammad Rizwan was recently removed from his role as T20I captain, having led in only two series. Salman Ali Agha has been named as his successor.