Did Babar Azam Approach Umar Akmal For Batting Advice? Latter Makes Big Reveal
Babar Azam's rotten run of form has extended to the domestic National T20 Cup in Pakistan, where he chewed up 17 deliveries but just managed 22 runs for the Lahore Blues.
Former Pakistan batter Umar Akmal has said that his cousin Babar Azam had approached him for batting advice when he was struggling to score against spin, revealing details about the duo’s conversation during that time.
Babar recently played in the National T20 Cup even though reports had suggested that he would skip the tournament. While playing for the Lahore Region Blues, he scored a 17-ball 22, before being dismissed by allrounder Danish Aziz.
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Reflecting on Babar’s struggles in recent times, with losing his wicket and getting stuck against spin, Akmal explained how he once helped the former out with advice regarding his troubles.
“I distinctly remember when he was struggling against spinners, often getting out around midwicket. He came to me and said, ‘Umar bhai, I’m having a bit of trouble," Akmal said while speaking on a TV channel.
pic.twitter.com/B6dmqjlr47— PACE is PACE Yar (@PACEisPACEYar) March 17, 2025
“I asked about his grip on the bat and suggested that when facing a spinner, he should adjust his grip and keep his eyes on the ball until it’s halfway to him. From there, he could decide whether to cut it or play a shot that wouldn’t go flat," Akmal said.
Babar’s poor run of form has seen him fail to score an international hundred since August 2023 and no Test hundreds in the last three years.
Babar was criticised for his failure to have an impact with the bat in recent ICC tournaments, including the Champions Trophy, where he managed 87 runs in two innings.
Babar, who has been in and out of the Pakistan side as he looks to regain form, was dropped from the T20I team touring New Zealand and has succumbed to a 2-0 deficit in that five-match series.
Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has questioned axing Mohammad Rizwan as T20I skipper after being given less time in the role, unlike Babar, who got plenty of chances.
“The board needs a permanent chairman. Babar Azam was given ample opportunities as captain, but why was Mohammad Rizwan only given six months in the role," Afridi asked during a press meet on Wednesday.
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