'Look at yourself first' - Azhar Ali tears into Aaqib Javed over Pakistan's England struggles

Azhar Ali Goes Nuclear on Aaqib Javed Over Pakistan's England Wipeout

Pakistan's Test campaign in England has turned into a full-blown crisis. Down 2-0 after losses at Headingley and Lord's, they face a third and final Test at Edgbaston from Sept 9 — and the board is already trimming the branch.

Here's what went sideways: head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul sacked post-Lord's, seven players shipped home, and a replacement squad flown in mid-series. Classic panic-repair mode.

Former captain Azhar Ali (97 Tests, 19 centuries) isn't mincing words. His message to High Performance Director Aaqib Javed? "Look at yourself first."

The core indictment: Javed installed both Sarfaraz and captain Babar Azam just months before this tour, then distanced himself when results cratered.

> "Every decision he makes backfires, and he then says: 'It's not me.' If you can't control this team, step away."

Azhar's verdict on the culture: "We don't even do inconsistency anymore. We've become totally consistent in the most negative way."

The Babar question — this is where it gets interesting for anyone watching squad dynamics:

Azhar publicly backs Babar but questions his mental armor, comparing him unfavorably to Misbahul Haq and Younis Khan.

> "Misbah wasn't as talented as Babar, but he was far tougher... He's doubted himself, lacking any internal support."

Bottom line: Azhar warns the PCB needs a clear vision NOW or fan appetite evaporates entirely. The signs? Not good.

Who do you think takes the fall here — Javed or Babar? Edgbaston is the make-or-break. 🏏

Source: Crictracker