Did Babar Azam Approach Umar Akmal For Batting Advice? Latter Makes Big Reveal

Last Updated:

Babar Azam's rotten run of form has extended to the domestic National T20 Cup in Pakistan, where he chewed up 17 deliveries but just managed 22 runs for the Lahore Blues.

Babar Azam has been under severe scrutiny (Picture credit: AFP)
Babar Azam has been under severe scrutiny (Picture credit: AFP)

Former Pakistan batter Umar Akmal has said that his cousin Babar Azam had approached him for batting advice when he was struggling to score against spin, revealing details about the duo’s conversation during that time.

Babar recently played in the National T20 Cup even though reports had suggested that he would skip the tournament. While playing for the Lahore Region Blues, he scored a 17-ball 22, before being dismissed by allrounder Danish Aziz.

related stories

    Reflecting on Babar’s struggles in recent times, with losing his wicket and getting stuck against spin, Akmal explained how he once helped the former out with advice regarding his troubles.

    “I distinctly remember when he was struggling against spinners, often getting out around midwicket. He came to me and said, ‘Umar bhai, I’m having a bit of trouble," Akmal said while speaking on a TV channel.

    “I asked about his grip on the bat and suggested that when facing a spinner, he should adjust his grip and keep his eyes on the ball until it’s halfway to him. From there, he could decide whether to cut it or play a shot that wouldn’t go flat," Akmal said.

    Babar’s poor run of form has seen him fail to score an international hundred since August 2023 and no Test hundreds in the last three years.

    Babar was criticised for his failure to have an impact with the bat in recent ICC tournaments, including the Champions Trophy, where he managed 87 runs in two innings.

    Babar, who has been in and out of the Pakistan side as he looks to regain form, was dropped from the T20I team touring New Zealand and has succumbed to a 2-0 deficit in that five-match series.

    top videos

    View all
      player arrow

      Swipe Left For Next Video

      View all

      Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi has questioned axing Mohammad Rizwan as T20I skipper after being given less time in the role, unlike Babar, who got plenty of chances.

      “The board needs a permanent chairman. Babar Azam was given ample opportunities as captain, but why was Mohammad Rizwan only given six months in the role," Afridi asked during a press meet on Wednesday.

      Stay updated with all the latest news on IPL 2025, including the schedule, Points Table, IPL Orange Cap (top run-scorers), and IPL Purple Cap (leading wicket-takers). Get latest Cricket news, live score and match results on News18.
      News cricket Did Babar Azam Approach Umar Akmal For Batting Advice? Latter Makes Big Reveal
      Read More
      PreviousNext