Shaheen Afridi breaks silence on Babar Azam’s poor form, sends strong message to critics

Shaheen Afridi Backs Babar Azam as Pressure Mounts on Pakistan Star

Pakistan ODI captain Shaheen Afridi has publicly defended Babar Azam as scrutiny grows over the senior batter’s recent run of low scores. While questions have emerged about Babar’s place in the side, Shaheen says he remains confident his teammate can regain form—and believes a difficult stretch does not erase a record built over years of international cricket.

The support comes at a sensitive moment for Babar. A sequence of quiet performances across formats has intensified debate among fans and former players, with some reportedly calling for changes to Pakistan’s batting line-up. His upcoming return to first-class cricket could offer a timely chance to rebuild confidence, sharpen his red-ball game and answer critics through performance.

Babar Azam’s Recent Form Under the Spotlight

Babar’s latest numbers have fallen short of the standards associated with one of Pakistan’s most accomplished batters. He scored 97 runs in the recent Test series against England, then managed 58 runs across four innings after returning to domestic first-class cricket.

The pressure continued in the ODI Tri-Series. Babar was dismissed for a five-ball duck in the final against Sri Lanka, even though Pakistan went on to win by three wickets and lift the trophy on October 31. Across the tournament, he made 118 runs in five innings, averaging 23.60 at a strike rate of 74.21. He did not register a half-century.

Those figures have prompted renewed discussion about his role and whether he needs time away from the international spotlight. But short-term form is only one part of the picture. Babar has previously been a dependable source of runs for Pakistan, and Shaheen pointed to the batter’s contribution in the team’s earlier ODI series against Australia, where he was Pakistan’s leading run-scorer.

Shaheen Afridi Says Babar Can Find His Way Back

Shaheen’s message was clear: Babar understands his own game and has the experience to respond. Speaking after Pakistan’s victory, the captain said the batter was preparing to play a first-class match and had a clear idea of how he wanted to approach his cricket.

“If you are talking about Babar, he knows his game,” Shaheen said. He acknowledged that players can be dismissed during difficult periods, describing setbacks as part of cricket, and added that he believes Babar will bounce back.

The endorsement matters beyond the personal relationship between two senior Pakistan players. Public backing from the ODI captain can help counter speculation about dressing-room divisions, although the strongest answer to questions about Babar’s place will ultimately come from his performances. Shaheen’s comments suggest that, for now, he sees the former captain as an important part of Pakistan’s plans rather than a player whose recent scores define his value.

Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Offers a Fresh Test

Babar is expected to return to domestic action in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan’s premier first-class competition. The opening match for Lahore Whites is scheduled against the FATA Region on November 3 at Diamond Cricket Ground. The fixture has added interest because Shaheen is set to represent FATA, putting the two teammates on opposite sides.

The match is more than a headline-grabbing meeting between a leading batter and a fast bowler. For Babar, first-class cricket offers the chance to spend time at the crease, work through technical adjustments and regain the rhythm that can be difficult to find in short-format matches. Longer innings also test concentration and patience—qualities that can help a batter rebuild confidence after a run of early dismissals.

Babar is expected to feature in at least three matches for Lahore Whites. That run of games could provide a more meaningful measure of his progress than a single innings. A strong domestic performance would not automatically settle selection debates, but it could strengthen his case and give Pakistan’s management useful evidence ahead of future international commitments.

What Babar’s Comeback Could Mean for Pakistan

Pakistan’s batting line-up has often relied on Babar’s ability to anchor an innings, particularly when early wickets fall. His presence can give the middle order a stable platform, while his experience is valuable in high-pressure situations. At the same time, international cricket is competitive, and established reputations do not guarantee selection indefinitely. The challenge for Babar is to turn his experience into runs when the team needs them.

The best prediction at this stage is that the coming domestic matches will be closely watched, rather than treated as a final verdict. A return to form may take more than one innings, and a low score would not erase his past achievements. Still, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy gives him a practical opportunity to reset away from the immediate pressure of international results.

For Shaheen, backing Babar appears to be a vote of confidence in both the player and the teammate. For supporters, the key question is whether that faith will soon be matched by runs. Babar’s next appearances against domestic opposition—and especially his contest with Shaheen’s FATA side—will offer an intriguing test of his response to criticism. If he can convert his preparation into substantial scores, the conversation around his form may shift quickly from doubt to renewed optimism.