Former Pakistan captain
The veteran observer noted that Azam’s struggles are not rooted in his batting technique, which he described as sound and elegant. Instead, the issue appears to be psychological, with the captain taking on an excessive amount of pressure that hinders his ability to contribute effectively with the bat. Younis cautioned that by continuing to assign this leadership role to him, the team risks losing a high-quality player altogether.
Leadership challenges and team dynamics
Beyond the individual impact on his batting, Younis highlighted the importance of a captain’s ability to support their teammates. He argued that if a leader is unable to provide that backing under pressure, it creates an unfair environment for both the squad and the individual in charge. This critique follows a turbulent period for
The recent series was further complicated by significant administrative upheaval. After falling 2-0 behind, the Pakistan Cricket Board made the decision to send seven players and two coaches home before the final match. The situation was exacerbated when Azam publicly stated that he had not been consulted regarding these personnel changes, a move that drew criticism from former captain Wasim Akram for failing to present a united front.
A prolonged century drought
Azam’s leadership tenure has been further complicated by a notable decline in his red-ball output. The 31-year-old has not scored a Test century for nearly four years, with his last hundred in the format coming against New Zealand in December 2022. Despite coming close to breaking that streak against the West Indies and during the final Test against England, he has been unable to convert those starts into a triple-figure score.
The team’s broader struggles are reflected in the
