'Were You Here to Sell Chickpeas?' - Wasim Akram Slams Babar Azam Amid PCB Chaos

Wasim Akram has launched a blistering attack on Pakistan captain Babar Azam, questioning his leadership abilities and decision-making after a chaotic mid-series purge by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). The legendary fast bowler did not hold back in expressing his frustration over the absolute lack of authority displayed by the skipper.

The PCB recently took the drastic and highly unusual step of sacking seven players and coaching staff members right in the middle of an ongoing series. This sudden decision has exposed the deep-rooted instability and lack of planning within the nation's cricket administration, drawing criticism from all corners of the cricketing world.

Akram, known for his direct and uncompromising views, suggested that Babar should never have accepted the captaincy in the first place if he could not stand up for his players. He pointed out that a leader must have the courage to make firm decisions and shield his squad from administrative interference.

Using a popular colloquial phrase to highlight Babar's silent submission, Akram asked rhetorically if the captain was merely a bystander while the board dismantled his squad. "Were you here to sell chickpeas?" Akram asked, expressing his disbelief at Babar's failure to voice his objections against the mid-series sackings.

The former captain emphasized that a strong leader would have confronted the board to protect the team's morale. He stated that allowing external officials to disrupt the dressing room environment mid-tournament only reflects poorly on Babar's stature as a leader.

This scathing criticism adds massive pressure on Babar Azam, whose captaincy has faced continuous scrutiny following Pakistan's recent underwhelming performances across formats. With the board in disarray and senior legends showing no mercy, Babar finds himself fighting a lonely battle to salvage his leadership reputation.