Babar Azam's father hits back at ex-Pakistan players over son’s criticism: 'If someone answers back…’

Pakistan batting star Babar Azam’s father has come his defence amid criticism over his lack of impact with the bat, especially during the ICC Champions Trophy. Babar has been targeted by several former Pakistan cricketers, with legends of the game such as Shoaib Akhtar labeling him a "fraud" , following the team’s first-round exit from the 'Mini World Cup' .

Babar was expected to lead Pakistan’s charge with the bat after being promoted up the order following an injury to Saim Ayub, and the spotlight on him intensified after opening partner Fakhar Zaman was ruled out of the tournament in the very first game.

Babar, Pakistan’s best batter of the current generation and a white-ball superstar, scored 87 runs across two games. However, it was his strike rate, especially during his 90-ball 64 in the 60-run loss against New Zealand , that led to a deluge of criticism.

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He was later dropped from Pakistan's T20I squad for the tour of New Zealand while being retained for the one-dayers.

“Member of ICC’s Twenty20 of the year team, and even after getting the cap, he dropped. It is okay. He will perform in National T20 and in PSL. Insha Allah, he will come back soon after performing in the team,” Babar’s father Azam Siddique wrote on Instagram.

“They are very big former players. They are requested to keep the choice of their words right. If someone answers back, they may not be able to bear it. You are the past,” he added in direct response to comments from Pakistani cricketing greats.

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It’s worth noting that Babar has primarily batted at the No 3 slot throughout his ODI career, and was among the runs while batting at that position during the ODI leg of Pakistan’s recent trip to South Africa.

And after his lack of success at the top of the batting order, captain Mohammad Rizwan and head coach Aaqib Javed might be inclined to put him back at his preferred slot and bring in another player as a replacement opener till Ayub and Fakhar regain fitness.