Babar Azam Exposed: PR Tactics Over Performance?

Babar Azam exposed by former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez, who accused him of relying on public relations (PR) strategies rather than consistent performances. Hafeez contrasted Babar’s struggles with Virat Kohli’s brilliance, praising the Indian batter’s ability to deliver in high-pressure matches, particularly against Pakistan.

“Virat Kohli thrives under pressure, proving his class time and again. Meanwhile, Babar Azam fails to step up when it matters most,” Hafeez remarked during a recent discussion.

Hafeez’s Criticism of Babar Azam

Hafeez openly criticized Babar Azam’s inconsistency, stating that despite his reputation, he has failed to perform in crucial encounters. The remarks came after Babar’s disappointing outing against India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where he failed to make an impact.

Key Points of Hafeez’s Criticism

• Babar’s inability to deliver in high-stakes games.
• Over-reliance on PR to maintain his star status.
• Lack of significant contributions in knockout matches.

Virat Kohli’s Masterclass Against Pakistan

While Babar Azam struggled, Virat Kohli shone under pressure, smashing a sensational century to take India closer to the semi-finals. His unbeaten 100-run knock was a testament to his ability to deliver on the biggest stage.

Kohli’s Key Strengths

• Consistency in crucial matches.
• Ability to handle pressure effortlessly.
• 51st ODI century, reinforcing his dominance.

Babar vs Kohli: The Performance Gap

A significant contrast exists between Babar Azam and Virat Kohli when it comes to handling pressure. While Kohli’s stats speak for themselves, Babar’s numbers in decisive matches reveal a different story.

Comparison of Key Performances

• Kohli: Thrives under pressure, numerous match-winning knocks.
• Babar: Struggles in high-profile encounters, inconsistency in big games.

“Great players don’t need PR; their performances do the talking,” Hafeez emphasized.

Pakistan’s Struggles and the Way Forward

Pakistan’s campaign has been marred by poor performances from key players, and Babar’s leadership and batting form remain a concern. Hafeez’s remarks highlight the need for genuine performances over media-driven hype.

What Pakistan Must Address

• Improve Mental Toughness: Players must handle pressure better.
• Hold Star Players Accountable: Performance should dictate status.
• Shift Focus from PR to Cricket: On-field results must speak louder than off-field promotions.

Final Thoughts

Babar Azam exposed by Hafeez for failing to deliver in crucial matches, especially when compared to Kohli’s consistency. The debate continues, but one thing remains clear—performance is the true measure of greatness, not PR strategies.

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