Speaking on the cricket podcast Unplugged hosted by Shubhankar Mishra, Waqar was asked to identify Pakistan's last true cricketing superstar. While the podcast host initially suggested former fast bowler Mohammad Amir as a potential candidate, the former head coach instead pointed directly toward Babar and Pakistan One Day International captain Shaheen Shah Afridi.

The discussion quickly turned toward Babar's match-winning impact compared to previous generations of Pakistani cricketers. Mishra argued that despite impressive overall statistics, the current star has not delivered as many memorable victories as past icons such as Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar, Saeed Anwar, and Inzamam-ul-Haq.

Responding directly to those critical assessments, Waqar argued that Babar's primary challenge involves carrying the batting lineup almost entirely on his own. He stated that the absence of an equally formidable supporting cast places an unfair and disproportionate burden on the former captain during high-pressure international fixtures.

The former coach explained that when an entire team relies heavily on a single batsman for runs, the psychological pressure increases exponentially. He noted that if there were four or five other established big names alongside Babar in the batting order, the dynamics and external expectations would be vastly different.

Waqar drew historical comparisons with Pakistan's famous batting lineup of the 1990s to illustrate his point about team depth. He emphasized that supporters could easily name all six established players in the top order from that era, whereas the current team struggles to produce a similar calibre of recognised talent.

The conversation also touched upon comparisons with Indian batting legend Sachin Tendulkar, whom Mishra suggested had carried similar burdens during the early 1990s. However, Waqar firmly disagreed with that particular assessment, arguing that Tendulkar experienced much stronger team support throughout the various evolutionary stages of his international career.

Elaborating on Tendulkar's early playing days, Waqar pointed out that the Indian star played alongside experienced contributors like Sanjay Manjrekar and Navjot Singh Sidhu. As Tendulkar developed further, India successfully assembled a powerhouse batting lineup featuring Rahul Dravid, Sourav Ganguly, VVS Laxman, and Virender Sehwag.

Waqar further analysed the root cause of the relentless scrutiny directed at Babar, pointing to the exceptionally high standards the batsman established during the very beginning of his international career. Immediate and sustained success created massive expectations among supporters and analysts, making even minor fluctuations in form appear catastrophic to observers.

To contextualize this phenomenon, the former fast bowler compared Babar's current predicament to the intense pressure constantly faced by Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli. Waqar remarked that whenever Kohli fails in just one or two matches, public sentiment immediately declares him finished, demonstrating how high-achieving athletes suffer from disproportionate reactions.

Despite the mounting external scrutiny regarding his recent form, Babar continues to boast a phenomenal overall record in international cricket. In the ODI format specifically, the right-handed batsman has accumulated 6,744 runs at an extraordinary average of 52.68, establishing himself as a pillar of consistency over several years of competition.

Furthermore, Babar has already struck 20 centuries in One Day Internationals, an achievement that places him level with legendary opening batsman Saeed Anwar for the most ODI hundreds ever scored by a Pakistani cricketer. This milestone underscores his immense historical value to the national team's batting heritage.

However, recent statistics reveal a notable lean patch that has fuelled the current wave of criticism from pundits and fans. Babar has managed to score just 243 runs across his last seven ODI appearances, translating to a modest average of 34.71 during that specific stretch of matches.

During this same recent period of struggle, the star batsman has registered only a single half-century, highlighting the dip in conversion rates that has troubled his supporters. Analysts and former players have closely monitored these figures as indicators of a broader slump in confidence across limited-overs formats.

Waqar concluded his remarks by emphasizing that responsibility for Pakistan's overall fortunes must be shared collectively rather than placed entirely upon one individual. His strong endorsement serves as a reminder of Babar's enduring importance to Pakistan cricket as the team seeks to develop greater depth and stability in upcoming international fixtures.

Afridi reached the landmark with a disciplined bowling performance, surpassing the previous records held by legendary Pakistani pacers Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar. The left-arm pacer has consistently been the spearhead of the Pakistan bowling attack across all three formats of the game since his international debut.

The Gaddafi Stadium witnessed a significant moment as the crowd cheered for the skipper upon his reaching the 150-wicket mark. Afridi has been instrumental in Pakistan's recent campaigns, providing early breakthroughs and maintaining pressure during the middle overs of the innings.

Waqar Younis and Shoaib Akhtar, both icons of world cricket, previously held the record for the quickest Pakistani fast bowlers to reach this tally. Afridi’s ability to swing the new ball and execute precise yorkers in the death overs has been central to his rapid progression in the format.

The ongoing tri-series involving Pakistan and England serves as a crucial preparation period for upcoming international assignments. Afridi’s leadership and individual performance remain key factors for the team as they look to refine their strategies ahead of major global tournaments.

Afridi’s career has been marked by a steep upward trajectory, with the pacer frequently featuring in the top rankings for ODI bowlers. His milestone reflects not only his natural talent but also the rigorous training and tactical acumen he has developed while leading the national side.

The 150-wicket achievement highlights the depth of Pakistan's fast-bowling heritage, a legacy that Afridi continues to uphold with distinction. His consistency in taking wickets at vital junctures has made him one of the most feared bowlers in modern white-ball cricket.

As the match at Gaddafi Stadium progressed, the focus remained on the tactical battle between the Pakistan bowlers and the English batting lineup. The tri-series provides a high-intensity environment for players to test their skills against top-tier opposition in familiar home conditions.

The Pakistan Cricket Board has often highlighted the importance of nurturing young fast-bowling talent, and Afridi stands as a testament to the success of such development pathways. His transition from a promising youngster to a record-breaking captain has been a highlight of Pakistan cricket in recent years.

Looking ahead, the team management will be keen to manage Afridi’s workload effectively to ensure he remains fit for the busy international calendar. The captain's ability to remain effective across different stages of an ODI innings is vital for Pakistan's success in the format.

The tri-series continues to offer valuable insights into the team's balance and the form of individual players. With the tournament reaching its mid-point, the competition between the participating nations is expected to intensify as they vie for the top spot in the standings.

Afridi’s record-breaking feat serves as a morale booster for the squad, reinforcing the belief that they can compete against the best teams in the world. The captain will be hoping to build on this performance as the series moves toward its conclusion.

The Gaddafi Stadium, a historic venue for Pakistan cricket, once again provided the stage for a memorable individual achievement. Fans in Lahore have long supported the team, and witnessing such milestones live adds to the rich history of the ground.

As the match concluded, cricket analysts noted that Afridi’s milestone is a reflection of his dedication to the sport. His record is expected to stand for some time, given the difficulty of maintaining such a high strike rate in the 50-over format.

Pakistan will now focus on the remaining fixtures of the tri-series, aiming to secure victories and maintain momentum. The team’s performance in this series will be a barometer for their readiness for upcoming ICC events and bilateral series.

The cricketing fraternity has lauded Afridi for his achievement, with former players praising his work ethic and commitment to the national cause. His rise to the top of the bowling charts is seen as a positive sign for the future of Pakistan cricket.

Afridi’s journey to 150 wickets has been filled with match-winning spells against various opponents across different conditions. His versatility as a bowler, capable of generating pace and movement, makes him a unique asset for the Pakistan side.

The team will look to carry the energy from this milestone into their next matches, aiming for a strong finish in the tri-series. The captain’s form remains the cornerstone of Pakistan’s bowling strategy as they prepare for future challenges.

With the tri-series ongoing, the focus shifts to the upcoming matches where Pakistan will look to consolidate their position. The performance of the bowlers, led by the record-breaking captain, will be essential in the quest for tournament success.

The record set by Shaheen Afridi is a proud moment for Pakistan cricket, celebrating the excellence of one of its most prominent modern-day figures. The nation looks forward to more stellar performances from their captain in the matches to come.