Islamabad - Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has revealed a recent conversation with Babar Azam, where the star cricketer expressed his frustration with the personal criticism he has been facing. Raja, speaking on his YouTube channel, recounted meeting Azam in a café and sensing the cricketer's emotional struggle with what he perceived as unfair commentary.
"I met him recently in a cafe and he expressed his frustration at the way he had to face criticism, personal comments over his place in the team," Raja stated. Raja's fondness for Babar Azam is well-documented, stemming from his tenure as PCB chairman when he appointed Babar as the captain across all three formats of the game in 2021.
The revelation comes at a time when Babar Azam's performance and leadership are under intense scrutiny from fans and media alike. While Raja did not elaborate on the specific nature of the "personal comments" that had upset Azam, his remarks shed light on the pressures faced by high-profile athletes, particularly in a cricket-crazy nation like Pakistan.
Babar Azam, one of the leading batsmen of the current era, recently ended an 807-day century drought, a fact that Ramiz Raja alluded to while describing Azam's ordeal. Despite his undeniable talent and numerous achievements, Azam has often been subjected to harsh criticism, not just for his on-field performances but also for his perceived demeanor and leadership style.
In May 2025, a video went viral showing Babar Azam in a heated exchange with fans, sparking debate about the boundaries of fan interaction with public figures. The incident, which occurred after Friday prayers, reportedly arose after a fan continued recording Azam despite being asked to stop. This incident drew mixed reactions, with some defending Azam's right to privacy and others suggesting he could have handled the situation more calmly.
Adding to the controversies, Babar Azam's father, Azam Siddiqui, was also involved in a public spat with former cricketer Kamran Akmal. This occurred after Akmal suggested that Babar should focus solely on Test cricket. Siddiqui responded with a jab at Akmal, leading to a heated exchange between the two.
These incidents highlight the intense scrutiny and pressure that Babar Azam faces, both on and off the field. Ramiz Raja's recent comments underscore the emotional toll that such constant criticism can take on even the most accomplished athletes. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting personal boundaries, even with public personalities.
As Babar Azam continues to navigate the challenges of his career, the support and understanding of fans and the media will be crucial in helping him maintain his focus and continue to excel on the international stage.
