Former Indian cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar has criticized the harsh treatment of Pakistan’s Babar Azam, urging fans to offer support during his current batting slump. Speaking with cricketer-turned-pundit Basit Ali, Gavaskar emphasized that high expectations are natural for a player of Babar’s talent, but constant criticism during lean periods can be demoralizing. He recalled how India stood by Virat Kohli during a similar phase when Kohli went two to three years without scoring consistently, even though he eventually returned to form. Gavaskar called on Pakistan’s cricket community, especially former players, to rally behind Babar and uplift the team.
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Babar Azam’s recent dip in form has become a growing concern, particularly as his last ODI century came against Nepal in August 2023—after 23 innings without one—and he has only managed seven half-centuries in the meantime. Pakistan’s poor performance in the 2025 Champions Trophy, where they were eliminated in the group stage following losses to New Zealand and India, has further intensified the pressure on Babar, putting his future in the team under scrutiny.
Gavaskar’s appeal highlights the need for a more supportive environment, rather than constant criticism, as Pakistan faces challenges in consistently performing on the international stage. Whether Pakistani fans and former players will heed his advice remains to be seen.
