World Cup 2023: Babar Azam, the talented and prominent cricketer who captained Pakistan’s national team, has been making waves on the field. However, recently, a different side of his leadership style has come into the limelight. Those who see him on television often perceive him as an innocent and calm personality. But a recent revelation by Umar Gul, a former Pakistan fast bowler, tells a different story. Gul’s account suggests that Babar Azam might be a stern captain, a trait which could be affecting the team’s performance.
The ‘Innocent’ Captain with Firm Rules
Contrary to the gentle image Babar Azam portrays on the television screen, he runs a tight ship when it comes to handling his team. He has set a clear rule that he is the only one who can converse with the bowler during a match. Any deviation from this order by other players is not taken lightly, and those who break this rule have been known to receive a sharp reprimand.
Umar Gul’s Revelation
World Cup 2023: Umar Gul, once a prominent fast bowler for Pakistan, shared an incident that occurred during his tenure as the bowling coach of the national team. His narration brought forth a side of Babar Azam’s captaincy that was previously unknown to many.
The Incident that Raised Eyebrows
Gul highlighted a particular match against Afghanistan where the Pakistani bowlers were evidently under pressure. In such situations, it’s commonplace for senior players to step up and assist or calm the bowler. However, when vice-captain Shadab Khan and wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan tried to intervene, they were met with fury from Babar Azam.
A Glimpse from Umar Gul’s Stint with the Team
World Cup 2023: During his time with the Pakistan cricket team, Umar Gul witnessed firsthand the strict rules set by Babar Azam. He recalled an instance where Mohammad Rizwan and Shadab Khan faced Babar’s wrath for merely trying to converse with a bowler. This might be why, in the Afghanistan match, Shadab and Rizwan seemed hesitant to approach the bowlers. Normally, senior players would offer suggestions or talk to the bowler to boost their morale.
Pakistan’s Current Standing in the World Cup
Starting the World Cup on a promising note, Pakistan clinched two back-to-back victories. However, the tide turned quickly with a hat-trick of defeats: a 7-wicket loss to India, a 62-run defeat to Australia, and an 8-wicket loss to Afghanistan. With only four matches left in the World Cup, Pakistan faces the daunting challenge of having to win all of them.
World Cup 2023: While firm leadership is essential in cricket, there’s also a need for flexibility and open communication, especially during crucial matches. It remains to be seen if Babar Azam’s strict rules will pave the way for Pakistan’s success or if a more collaborative approach might be the way forward.
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