'We have only one superstar, and we are constantly pulling him down' - Azhar Mahmood slams ex-Pakistan players for criticising Babar Azam

Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood has come out strongly in defence of Babar Azam, calling him Pakistan's only superstar and criticising the way former players and social media pundits have treated the batter. The remarks were made just before Pakistan's three-match Test series opener against England at Headingley in Leeds on Wednesday, August 19.

Mahmood, who previously served as Pakistan's assistant coach, made the comments on Sky Sports in a conversation with former England cricketers Mike Atherton and Nasser Hussain. He revealed that he spent around five months with Babar during the period the batter was out of the Test side, with the pair playing golf together while waiting for Pakistan's next assignment.

"He (Babar) is very shy and has been through a lot. I spent a lot of time with him – around five months – when he was out of the team after the England series. He was really down because of the way he was being treated in Pakistan by former players and social media pundits," Mahmood said.

Babar's 2024 Test axing and the months that followed

Babar was left out of Pakistan's Test squad for the final two matches of their home series against England in October 2024 following a lean run of form. Pakistan had lost one of those Tests by an innings and 47 runs before the selectors dropped him for the remaining two fixtures, a decision that drew widespread backlash directed at the batter.

Mahmood was direct in his assessment of how Pakistan treats its most prominent batting name in the current national team setup.

"We (Pakistan) have only one superstar, and we are constantly pulling him down," the former Kolkata Knight Riders player added.

The former all-rounder also pointed to Babar's Test century drought as one of the reasons critics had targeted him. Babar's last Test hundred came in December 2022, when he scored 161 against New Zealand in Karachi, and the extended wait for another three-figure score had drawn sustained trolling.

The Pakistan Cricket Board eventually turned back to Babar after Shan Masood's tenure as Test captain produced just four wins from 16 matches, with 12 defeats. Babar's return as captain produced results quickly, as he guided Pakistan to victory in the second Test against West Indies, which was the side's first away Test win in three years and secured a 1-1 series finish.

Mahmood on captaincy and the respect Babar deserves

Mahmood also spoke about how the 31-year-old responds differently depending on whether he is captaining the team.

"Yes, he has certain things to improve, but everyone does. I think he has matured now. When he is captain, he feels that he has more power and confidence, and he knows that he has to lead from the front. So, when he is captain, you can see those qualities coming out in him," Mahmood remarked.

Also Read: Babar Azam doubtful for Headingley opener as Pakistan defer decision to match day

The cricketer-turned-expert added a note of caution about what happens when Babar is not in the leadership role.

"If he is not the captain and nobody gives him the respect he deserves, sometimes he goes into his shell," Mahmood explained.