Following Pakistan’s defeat to India in the Asia Cup final, cricketing fans on social media are demanding the return of former skipper Babar Azam to the team.
The team’s middle-order repeatedly collapsed during the tournament, leading to widespread frustration and calls for a change in leadership.
During the final on Sunday, Pakistan, batting first, managed to score only 146 runs in 19.1 overs. At one point, the team’s score was a promising 113 for 1, but a sudden collapse saw them lose nine wickets for just 33 runs.
India chased down the 147-run target with five wickets and two balls to spare. They stumbled early at 20 for 3, but Sanju Samson and Tilak Varma steadied the innings with a 57-run stand. After Samson fell for 24, Shivam Dube added 60 runs with Varma, who remained not out on 69 to seal the win.
The poor performance in the final left fans missing Babar’s steady presence and leadership.
Immediately after the loss, many fans criticised the current captain’s strategy and the middle order’s irresponsible batting.
A user wrote, “Please, it’s a request, we need Babar Azam back.” Another expressed their frustration, saying, “Please wake up Pakistan cricket is incomplete without Babar Azam, bring him back now!”
One tweet read, “Babar Azam ki bahut yaad a raahi hai [I am missing Babar Azam a lot].”
Prominent sports journalist Salim Khaliq also joined the debate, writing, “Bring Babar Azam back, make Shaheen Afridi captain.”
Babar was dropped due to concerns over his strike rate 9 months ago, as it was deemed too low for modern T20s. However, after the dramatic collapse of the current lineup, many fans are pointing out that his strike rate is far better than those of the current middle-order batsmen who failed to contribute in the final among other Asia Cup matches.