The former Pakistan coach and selector revealed that social media trolling, coupled with his omission from the team, affected Babar mentally, both on and off the field. Mahmood, having known Babar personally, insisted that the star batter is often criticised without reason, blaming former players and social media pundits for constantly pulling him down.
Former Pakistan all-rounder Azhar Mahmood has lashed out at fans and former players over their disrespectful treatment of veteran batter Babar Azam, calling him a “superstar”.
Social media trolling, coupled with his omission from the team, affected Babar Azam mentally both on and off the field.
“He (Babar Azam) 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 suggested that the Pakistan skipper has matured significantly While Mahmood agreed that Babar has several areas to improve as a player and leader. “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. He was struck again on the same hand during Pakistan’s warm-up game against the Professional County Club Select XI in Beckenham last week.
Because of the way he was being treated in Pakistan by former players and social media pundits, he was really down.
We (Pakistan) have only one superstar, and we are constantly pulling him down,” Mahmood said on Sky Sports . “If he is not the captain and nobody gives him the respect he deserves, sometimes he goes into his shell,” he added.
