‘If someone responds, they may…’ Babar Azam’s father breaks silence over constant criticism of his son

Former Pakistan skipper Babar Azam’s father, Azam Siddiqui, has slammed critics for their recent comments about his son. Siddiqui, as quoted by Sportskeeda (via Cricket Pakistan), hit out at detractors. The Men in Green were knocked out of the Champions Trophy 2025 in the first round at the bottom of the table. 

Azam Siddiqui said, “If someone responds, they may not be able to tolerate it. You are part of the past and will never play again. What was their performance during their playing days? Take a look at the PCB website—it's a clear hint for the wise." Babar Azam had a bad tournament, with the bat scoring just 87 runs from two matches. 

The former Pakistan skipper’s father also said, “People say that a father speaks too much, but I am Babar's first and last coach. I am his spokesperson and mentor, and his most sincere well-wisher—his father." Many former cricketers and experts have directed their ire towards Babar for Pakistan’s poor showing in the tournament. 

Babar Azam dropped from T20I squad 

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the team that is set to tour New Zealand for a short white-ball series. Babar Azam has been excluded from the T20I side while finding a place in the ODI side. It is a huge blow for the former skipper, with the next T20 World Cup just 12 months away. 

Azam Siddiqui put out a passionate message on social media that read, "Boss is Always Right. Member of the ICC's Twenty20 of the Year team and even after getting the cap, he will drop. It is okay. He will perform in National T20 and in PSL. Insha Allah, he will come back soon after performing in the team. That's the only respectable. They are very big former players. They are requested to keep their words right. If someone answers back, they may not be able to tolerate. You are the past and the door will never open."

Pakistan coach Aaqib Javed, while addressing the media after the team for the New Zealand tour was announced, said, “If you look at other teams, most of them have 70 percent separate T20 squads, and we are also working on that before the Asia Cup and World T20 Cup. We need our players to play fearless cricket.”