Former Pakistan opener Mudassar Nazar said that captaincy duties fell into Babar Azam’s hands way too early and that pressure has affected his batting performances. Nazar stated that the pressure was there during the final T20I in Lahore against England when Babar dropped multiple catches as well. While speaking to Cricket Pakistan, Nazar stated that it was a wrong decision to give Babar Azam the captaincy so early.

“Babar was given captaincy of all three formats at a very young age and they did injustice to him. Everything when you win matches but when pressure comes, the most is on the captain. He dropped catches in the last T20I due to pressure, he is one of the best catchers. Catches dropped but it was quite evident it is due to pressure. He is a world class player and if his form disappears due to prssure, Pakistan will be dented badly going forward,” he said.

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The veteran also criticized the selectors for sticking with the same middle-order despite knowing their inability to do well. He believes that Shoaib Malik needed to be there, considering his experience.

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“Middle-order has been the main weakness which has caused trouble for Pakistan. There have been voices over the vulnerability of this middle order while selectors were adamant about playing the same batters at that position. Pakistan are playing with a format where Babar and Rizwan bat till the 12 and 13 overs while in the end, sloggers can come and help set a target, but this was not happening. The way Pakistan play, Shoaib Malik must be there because they take the innings deep and Malik knows how to bat till the end. He has been doing this in franchise cricket,” he concluded.