‘Look at yourself first’: Azhar Ali tears into Aaqib Javed over Pakistan slump

Aaqib Javed's Accountability

Former Pakistan captain Azhar Ali has launched a scathing attack on Aaqib Javed, the High Performance Director, holding him directly responsible for the national team's prolonged period of underperformance. Ali asserts that the team has been plagued by “bad decisions” for the past three years, directly implicating Javed's judgment. He specifically referenced a recent interview where Javed attempted to shift blame onto former captains Sarfaraz and Babar, despite having appointed them himself just months prior. This perceived hypocrisy and lack of self-reflection deeply troubled Ali, who believes Javed consistently avoids accountability for his choices.

Ali's critique extends beyond mere performance, questioning Javed's fundamental ability to lead and make a tangible difference to Pakistan cricket. He explicitly stated that if Javed “cannot control this team” or “cannot make a difference,” then he should “step away.” This strong call for resignation underscores the depth of frustration felt by former players regarding the current state of affairs and the perceived mismanagement at the highest levels of the cricketing establishment. The sentiment suggests a systemic issue where leadership is seen as detached from the consequences of its decisions.

Babar Azam's Captaincy Burden

While critical of the overall management, Azhar Ali also offered a degree of sympathy for current captain Babar Azam, acknowledging the immense pressure he is under. Ali described the present period as “probably the worst time to captain Pakistan,” highlighting the relentless expectations and subsequent criticism that have taken a toll on Azam's mental state. He noted that every player experiences periods of low scores, but the national expectation for Azam to constantly deliver, coupled with a lack of internal support, has led to self-doubt. This insight paints a picture of a captain isolated and struggling amidst a challenging environment.

However, Ali also drew a distinction between Azam's mental resilience and that of past captains like Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan. He suggested that while Azam possesses immense talent, he lacks the mental toughness that characterized Misbah, who, despite being less naturally gifted, was “far tougher.” Similarly, Younis Khan maintained his targets despite criticism. Ali emphasized that while individuals differ, the onus is on the cricketing establishment to “create an environment where he can flourish, not be pulled back,” implying that the current setup is detrimental to Azam's growth and performance.

Pakistan's Lost Identity and Future Roadmap

Azhar Ali expressed concern over the disappearance of Pakistan cricket's once-defining “mercurial nature,” where the team was known for its unpredictable highs and lows. He lamented that the team has now become “totally consistent – in the most negative way,” indicating a sustained period of poor performance without the flashes of brilliance that once characterized them. This loss of identity, according to Ali, points to a deeper structural problem that requires urgent attention.

To address this slump, Ali advocated for a clear and settled roadmap, particularly emphasizing the need to produce fast bowlers. He cited Bangladesh's proactive approach to developing fast bowlers, which led to a Test victory in Australia, as a model to emulate. Ali criticized Pakistan's current attitude, which he perceives as merely “hoping it happens,” rather than implementing a structured plan. He stressed the importance of long-term appointments, suggesting that individuals should be “hired and backed for three-to-four years,” and highlighted the critical, yet currently leaderless, role of the under-19 setup. This comprehensive critique underscores the need for strategic planning and consistent leadership across all levels of Pakistan cricket.