Former cricketing legend Mohammad Yousuf has revealed that he was pushed to resign from the Pakistan Cricket Board selection committee due to Babar Azam.
Yousuf recommended resting Babar to help him regain his form, but he faced widespread criticism from within the cricketing community.
The 51-year-old decided to resign from his role due to the issues surrounding the star batter.
Speaking on the How Does It Work podcast, Yousuf said: “I had to resign because of Babar Azam. The moment I dared to suggest resting Babar, everyone suddenly turned against me.”
Babar’s form has been a hot topic of debate in recent weeks. The 31-year-old began his T20 World Cup campaign with a disappointing 15-run innings against Netherlands.
He bounced back with an impressive display against the United States, scoring a blistering 46 off 32.
However, Babar flopped badly in the important match against India on Sunday.
Pakistan were reeling at 13/3 when he walked on to bat, but he played a poor shot to lose his wicket on just five.
Babar was expected to be dropped for the final group game against Namibia on Wednesday, alongside Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shadab Khan.
Only Shaheen was replaced, while the other two kept their place in the team.
Babar was an unused spectator against Namibia, but Shadab impressed with both bat and bowl as the Green Shirts comfortably won to qualify for the Super Eights.
Pakistan are now preparing to face New Zealand on Saturday at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.
