ISLAMABAD, 11 September 2026 (Nosheen): Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has criticised Test captain Babar Azam over his inability to take firm decisions following major changes in the national team after the Lord’s Test against England. Pakistan made seven changes to the team after suffering a series defeat at Lord’s, including the removal of head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul. Ahead of the third Test, Babar expressed surprise over the overhaul and said he was unaware of the changes, while also admitting that he had not been informed about the disciplinary investigation and related decisions, saying the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was better placed to explain the matter. Speaking on a sports programme on PTV, Akhtar was asked about the mid-series overhaul and Babar’s claim that he had not been consulted before the changes. Akhtar said that had he been in Babar’s position, the situation would have been handled differently, stressing that firm decision-making was essential. He said Babar’s personality was reflected in his game and decisions, adding that his inability to take strong decisions was evident in every aspect of his leadership. Akhtar further said that expectations from the current team, including the captain and other players, should therefore remain realistic. The 51-year-old former pacer described the decline of Babar and Pakistan’s team as a failure of the overall system, saying the investment made in the team was now visible through its performance and that strong and decisive leadership could not be expected from the current setup.