"Look At Yourself": Ex-Pakistan Captain Continues Blame Game, Slams PCB Selector After Test Sackings

"Look at Yourself": Azhar Ali Takes Aim at PCB Selector After England Test Wipeout

Namaste, cricket lovers. Even a sitar string, when struck too many times out of tune, begins to ring hollow. That, perhaps, is what former captain Azhar Ali feels about Pakistan cricket right now.

Fresh off the team's heavy defeats at Headingley and Lord's, Azhar Ali hasn't held back. The side made wholesale squad changes on the ongoing England Test tour, and the fallout has been severe—head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul were sacked, and seven players were sent home. Shahid Afridi called it "the most shocking decision ever," while Misbah-ul-Haq resigned as a selector in protest.

Azhar's words cut deep. "We've become totally consistent in the most negative way," he told The Guardian. No more wild swings between 46 all out and a miracle win—just a steady stream of losses.

His sharpest arrow was aimed at High Performance Director and senior selector Aaqib Javed. Azhar accused him of dodging responsibility, blaming Sarfaraz and Babar after appointing them just months earlier. "His judgment should be questioned. Look at yourself first. If you cannot control this team, step away."

He also showed compassion for captain Azam, who has struggled with the bat and an unstable backroom setup. "It's probably the worst time to captain Pakistan right now. He's doubted himself, lacking any internal support." Azhar noted Azam may not be as mentally tough as Misbah or Younis Khan—but stressed we must build an environment where he can flourish, not crumble.

His remedy? Patience. "We need a settled structure, people hired and backed for three to four years. The U19s are leaderless right now—and that role matters more than the senior head coach. Major work by competent people is how we come back. Not quick fixes. Four to five years, and I believe the talent is there."

A thoughtful reminder that great teams, like great ragas, are built note by note—not in a single sweeping stroke.

Source: NDTV / The Guardian

Source: NDTV Sports