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Shoaib Akhtar: PCB eyeing Babar Azam ODI axe?
18 Oct
Summary
- Shoaib Akhtar suggests PCB might drop Babar Azam from ODIs.
- Senior players face pressure to perform or risk omission.
- PCB demands clear 'deliverables' from players like Shaheen.
Former Pakistan cricketer Shoaib Akhtar has voiced concerns regarding Babar Azam's future in the One Day International (ODI) squad. Akhtar suggested that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is contemplating removing Azam from the ODI lineup, a move he believes is being discussed internally.
Akhtar further highlighted that numerous senior players are under significant pressure to perform. He specifically mentioned Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Shadab Khan, and Babar Azam himself, suggesting that this upcoming series could be their last if their performance falters.
The PCB's stance appears to be increasingly focused on tangible results, with a clear message that players must consistently deliver. Akhtar elaborated that bowlers like Shaheen Shah Afridi are expected to maintain high intensity throughout their spells, and that the board will not tolerate subpar performances.
This pressure extends to the entire team's objective of winning an ICC trophy, a sentiment echoed by Fakhar Zaman. The PCB's new approach emphasizes 'play as you deliver,' indicating a stricter policy on player retention based on performance metrics.
