Umar Akmal has come out in support of Babar Azam, as Pakistan’s star batter faces growing pressure over his poor form across the formats. Umar has stressed that Babar Azam is still Pakistan’s finest batter, but he feels it’s time for him to take a break from the game.
Addressing the tough phase he’s currently going through on his official YouTube channel, Umar reminded the fans and critics of Babar’s contributions to Pakistan cricket and insisted that ups and downs are a part of every cricketer’s journey.
However, at the same time, Umar advised Babar to consider giving up the Peshawar Zalmi’s captaincy so he can fully focus on getting his batting rhythm back without the extra weight of leadership in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025.
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Umar Akmal said on his YouTube channel, “Yes, he’s going through a tough phase, but he’s still Pakistan’s best batsman. Remember, he led the team with pride for five years. Form comes and goes, but class stays forever.”
The Pakistani cricketer even suggested that Babar should meet with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Mohsin Naqvi and captains of the national team across the formats and ask for a proper two-month break from the game, both international and domestic cricket.
Umar Akmal urges Babar Azam to step down as Peshawar Zalmi captain
He believes that the former Pakistan skipper must spend this time on personal training and relaxing with family, which could help Babar return stronger and sharper, just like how other top players, including Virat Kohli, have bounced back after tough patches in their careers.
Umar said, “He should ask for two months’ rest — no cricket, just training and time with family. When he returns, he’ll be refreshed and back in form. Just like the PCB removed him as national captain, he should also step down as Zalmi skipper. He needs to bat freely, enjoy his cricket, and play without pressure.”
Meanwhile, Umar Akmal referred to Sahibzada Farhan’s recent success as an example of how important it is for players to play in positions where they feel most comfortable. He explained that Farhan is doing well because he’s been given the role that suits him best.
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'Babar Azam needs freedom to shine again'
He wants Babar to follow the same route. Umar believes that Babar has been carrying too much pressure from the team management, fans, and his own leadership duties. And he believes that this extra weight has made it harder for Babar to focus purely on his batting.
Umar suggested that if some of these responsibilities are lifted, Babar could find his best form again, as many players perform better when they are given freedom in the roles that they enjoy. Akmal signed off by saying, “Farhan is excelling because he’s playing where he’s comfortable. When players get their preferred role, they perform. The same applies to Babar.”
Notably, Babar will next be seen in action on April 19, when Peshawar Zalmi will take on Multan Sultans in the ongoing PSL 2025 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.
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