Former Coach Advises Babar Azam to Return to First-Class Cricket

Former Pakistan cricketer and coach of the national team Mudassar Nazar has offered advice to Babar Azam to help him get out of his batting slump. Expressing strong disappointment over Babar’s absence from first-class cricket, which he termed “absolutely criminal,” Mudassar Nazar has urged him to find his form once again through the domestic cricket route.

Babar, who was widely regarded as one of the finest batters of his generation, has been on a downward trajectory in recent years. He has looked a shadow of his former self in most of his outings, which has raised doubts about his ability to adapt his game to modern standards.

Mudassar Nazar, a respected figure in Pakistan cricket and a former coach and selector, believes regular first-class cricket is essential for maintaining technical sharpness, which may hold the key to Babar’s return to form.

Babar’s absence from Pakistan’s domestic red-ball competitions aligns with a growing trend where top international cricketers prioritize limited-overs cricket, often at the cost of their long-format skills. While Babar remains a part of Pakistan’s international setup, his last first-class game was on December 27, 2019. A return to the domestic scene may not be the worst thing for his confidence at the moment.

With Pakistan facing challenges in keeping up with the standards of the modern game, Mudassar Nazar’s comments serve as a wake-up call for both Babar Azam and the cricket board to ensure that the country’s best talent remains well-prepared for the rigors of cricket. With Babar set for a spell on the sidelines after New Zealand tour snub, we may actually get to see him suit up in domestic whites soon.