Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Yousuf has called on star batter Babar Azam to take a break from first-class cricket to focus on refining his technique. Yousuf believes that specialized coaching, rather than domestic competition, is the key to his recovery.
In a public statement, the former Test batter expressed concern that continuing to play while out of form could further damage Babar's confidence. He suggested that the player should seek out academy training in countries like England or Australia.
"I don't think Babar Azam should be playing first-class cricket until he fixes his technical issues through specialized coaching," Yousuf said. "He is still Pakistan's top player, and with the right guidance and a little effort, he can return to his best."
Yousuf, who previously served as a batting coach for the Pakistan Cricket Board, noted that he had raised similar concerns regarding the batter's development four years ago. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, "Please listen now."
Babar has faced significant scrutiny over his form in Test cricket, having not scored a century in the format since his 161 against New Zealand in December 2022. While he remains a key figure, his inability to convert starts has drawn criticism.
The advice comes as Pakistan prepares for upcoming international assignments, including a T20I series and the 2027 ODI World Cup. The team is looking to stabilize its batting lineup, with Babar's form being a central point of discussion.
Support for the former captain has been mixed, with some former players highlighting the lack of batting support around him, while others have pointed to the intense pressure he faces from media and social media critics.
The focus remains on whether the Pakistan Cricket Board will facilitate such a move or if Babar will continue to feature in domestic fixtures to regain his rhythm. His future performance remains vital to Pakistan's international prospects.
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