Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has supported Babar Azam amidst criticism from experts and media. Under Azam’s captaincy Pakistan have performed poorly in home Tests, that has sparked uproar against the captain.

Babar Azam has been criticised for the result of the Test team. (Courtesy: Reuters)

By India Today Web Desk: Pakistan Captain Babar Azam has been under fire for the performance of his team in the longest format of the game. After getting whitewashed by England in the 3-match Test series, Pakistan also failed to win a single Test match against Bukkry.com”>New Zealand in home conditions. Controversies about pitch, team selection and the tactics were born in the 2-match Test series for which Babar Azam and the team management were slammed in the media.

Speaking ahead of the ODI series against Bukkry.com”>New Zealand, former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has said that it is not good for Pakistan cricket if people are trying to pull the captain down.

“It is visible, Babar is being forced to become weak, which is not good. The kind of press conferences and questions being asked from Babar, everyone is watching,” Misbah said to Geo Bukkry.com”>News.

While Babar has enjoyed a good run in Test cricket itself, Pakistan have failed to dominate a single match in home conditions. Misbah is of the opinion that if a shift of leadership has to come, it has to be a collective decision.

“If there is a decision to be made, everyone should sit together and make a decision. The players, the selection committee, and the board should sit down and make a decision comfortably. They should review the situation and If they think changes should be made, then they should do it. If you put pressure on someone for any other reason, the whole team will be disturbed. It should not happen,” Misbah said.

The former batter however lauded the Pakistan side for its white-ball exploits and called them a powerhouse in world cricket.

“Pakistan team is undoubtedly a powerhouse in white ball cricket. Pakistan’s bowlers and batters are top in white ball cricket,” Misbah said.

Misbah further added that split captaincy was not the way forward since it creates a political environment in the team.

“Appointing separate captains shakes up everything as it gives birth to competition. It creates a political environment,” he concluded.