Stay Away From Domestic Cricket? Babar Azam Responds To Ex-Pakistan Star's Bold Suggestion

Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has expressed his willingness to seek batting advice from former teammate Mohammad Yousuf after the latter suggested specialised coaching overseas to help the star batter overcome his technical issues. Yousuf recently urged the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to consider sending Babar to a cricket academy in England or Australia, believing that working with specialist coaches could help him regain his best form. He also argued that the former Pakistan captain should temporarily stay away from first-class cricket until he addresses the technical flaws in his batting. "I don't think Babar Azam should be playing first-class cricket until he fixes his technical issues through specialised coaching. Struggling in domestic cricket could further harm his confidence and career," Yousuf wrote on X.

"Send him to an academy in England or Australia. He is still Pakistan's top player, and with the right guidance and a little effort, he can return to his best. I said this four years ago, and nobody listened. Please listen now," he added.

I don't think #BabarAzam should be playing first class cricket until he fixes his technical issues through specialized coaching. Struggling in domestic cricket could further harm his confidence and career. Send him to an academy in #England or #Australia. He is still Pakistan's top player, and with the right guidance and a little effort, he can return to his best. I said this four years ago, and nobody listened. Please listen now

— Mohammad Yousaf (@yousaf1788) November 1, 2026

Babar was asked about Yousuf's recommendations during a press conference ahead of Pakistan's opening Test against Sri Lanka. The right-handed batter welcomed the opportunity to learn from the former Pakistan great but revealed that Yousuf had not contacted him directly.

"As you said, the process of learning never ends. I haven't contacted him yet. I believe he has reached out to people on social media, but not to me. If he contacts me, God willing, I will learn from him. He is a legend and Pakistan's greatest batter," Babar was quoted as saying by Geo Super.

The Pakistan skipper also responded to questions regarding his recent dismissals, stressing that batters can get out in different ways and that there is not always a recurring pattern behind every wicket.

"You can get out at any time and in different ways. It is not necessary that you will always get out in the same pattern or in the same manner. There can be different reasons, but that is part of the game," he said.

Babar added that he always takes responsibility for his dismissals and views them as areas for self-improvement.

"In my case, whenever I get out, I consider it my fault. It is my responsibility and my shortcomings. Everyone has their own perspective and way of thinking," he added.

(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

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