Babar Azam was ‘really down’, says Azhar Mahmood

Lahore: Former Pakistan all-rounder and coach Azhar Mahmood has revealed that Babar Azam was “really down” during a difficult period away from the national team, saying criticism from former players and social media pundits affected the star batter mentally. Mahmood also defended Babar against what he described as repeated attempts to pull down Pakistan’s only “superstar”.

Mahmood, who spent around five months with Babar when the batter was out of the Pakistan team following the England series, said the 31-year-old struggled with the way he was being treated in Pakistan.

The comments come at a challenging stage of Babar’s international career. Once regarded as one of the leading batters in world cricket, Babar has faced sustained scrutiny over his form, leadership and place in Pakistan’s side.

Azhar Mahmood reveals Babar’s mental struggle

Mahmood said Babar is a shy person and had gone through a difficult period while he was away from the Pakistan team.

According to the former Pakistan coach, Babar was particularly affected by criticism from former players and social media commentators.

Mahmood said he had spent considerable time with Babar during his period away from international cricket and had seen first-hand how much the criticism had affected him.

He also argued that Pakistan has only one player who can be described as a superstar and questioned why the country was constantly “pulling him down”.

The remarks provide an insight into the pressure faced by Babar away from the cricket field. While criticism of an international player is part of professional sport, Mahmood suggested that the intensity of the criticism had taken a personal toll on the batter.

Babar has areas to improve, says Mahmood

Mahmood did not suggest that Babar is beyond criticism.

Instead, he acknowledged that the Pakistan star still has areas of his game and leadership that need improvement. However, he added that every player has aspects that can be developed and argued that Babar has matured significantly.

According to Mahmood, Babar has shown greater confidence when he has been given leadership responsibility.

He said that when Babar is captain, he understands the need to lead from the front and that certain leadership qualities become more visible.

The comments are notable because Babar’s captaincy has itself been one of the biggest subjects of debate surrounding his career.

His leadership tenure has been marked by both strong performances and periods of intense criticism, particularly when Pakistan have struggled in major tournaments or series.

Respect remains important for Babar

Mahmood also suggested that Babar’s confidence can be affected when he feels he is not receiving the respect he deserves.

He said Babar can sometimes retreat into his shell when he is not captain and does not receive sufficient respect from those around him.

The observation adds another dimension to the discussion around Babar’s performances.

International cricket brings enormous public scrutiny, particularly in Pakistan, where the national team and its leading players attract intense attention. For a player who has spent several years as one of the team’s most prominent figures, a sudden loss of status or selection can be particularly difficult.

Mahmood’s comments suggest that Babar’s performances cannot be considered separately from the psychological pressure surrounding him.

Babar’s Pakistan career under intense scrutiny

Babar has been one of Pakistan’s most recognisable cricketers for several years.

His batting consistency across formats established him as a key member of the national team, while his elevation to captain made him one of the most influential figures in Pakistan cricket.

However, his career has also gone through difficult periods.

Questions over his form, captaincy and place in the playing XI have become increasingly prominent. The scrutiny has intensified whenever Pakistan have suffered disappointing results.

Mahmood’s latest comments indicate that the pressure has extended beyond match performances, with criticism on social media and from former cricketers also affecting the player.

For Babar, the challenge is therefore not only to regain consistency with the bat but also to rebuild confidence and establish himself again as a central figure in Pakistan cricket.

Injury adds to uncertainty

Babar’s immediate availability has also become a concern because of a finger injury.

The NDTV report said Babar remained doubtful for Pakistan’s first Test against England, which was scheduled to begin on Wednesday. He had suffered a blow to his right hand while batting in the second Test against the West Indies and was struck again on the same hand during a warm-up match against the Professional County Club Select XI in Beckenham.

The injury creates another layer of uncertainty for Babar at a time when he is already attempting to re-establish himself.

Missing a Test because of injury would potentially delay his opportunity to make a strong statement with the bat.

Pakistan need Babar at his best

Pakistan have historically depended heavily on their leading batters, and Babar has occupied that role for much of the past decade.

His ability to build an innings and perform across formats has made him an important part of the team’s plans.

That makes his confidence and form significant not just for Babar personally but also for Pakistan.

If he can return to the team fully fit and rediscover his best batting form, he could once again become one of Pakistan’s most important match-winners.

Mahmood’s comments also suggest that the support surrounding Babar will matter. Instead of allowing criticism to dominate the conversation, the former Pakistan coach believes the batter needs the backing and respect necessary to perform at his best.

Social media pressure on cricketers

The situation also highlights the growing influence of social media on professional cricket.

Players today are exposed to criticism almost immediately after a poor performance. Former players, analysts, fans and social media users can all contribute to a conversation that continues long after a match has ended.

For high-profile cricketers, this can create significant pressure.

Babar’s situation is particularly sensitive because of his status in Pakistan. Every innings, selection decision and leadership move attracts considerable attention.

Mahmood’s remarks are therefore a reminder that criticism directed at elite athletes can have consequences beyond what is visible on the field.

What Mahmood’s comments mean for Babar

Mahmood’s assessment is ultimately supportive but not unconditional.

He recognises that Babar needs to improve certain aspects of his game and leadership, while also arguing that the batter has matured.

At the same time, Mahmood believes Pakistan should avoid unnecessarily undermining one of its most talented players.

For Babar, the immediate priorities are straightforward: recover fully from his hand injury, regain his confidence and convert opportunities into runs.

A sustained period of good performances could quickly change the narrative around him.

Conclusion

Azhar Mahmood’s comments offer a glimpse into the pressure Babar Azam experienced during his time away from the Pakistan team.

Mahmood said the batter was “really down” because of criticism from former players and social media pundits, while also insisting that Babar remains a superstar who deserves respect.

The former Pakistan coach acknowledged that Babar has areas to improve but said the batter has matured and can show greater confidence when given responsibility.

With an injury now adding to the uncertainty around his immediate availability, Babar faces another important phase of his career. His response on the field could determine whether he is able to silence his critics and re-establish himself as a central figure in Pakistan cricket.