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LAHORE: Pakistan’s Test captain Babar Azam has urged young cricketers to remain patient and trust the process of improvement, while calling on fans to continue backing the national team as it navigates a rebuilding phase with a youthful squad.
Speaking about handling criticism, Babar said players cannot control public opinion and should instead focus on constructive feedback that helps them improve.
“Everyone has their own point of view and we cannot change that. We listen to good things and if something is useful, we try to apply it. Otherwise, we try to ignore the negative things,” Babar said.
The 30-year-old batsman, one of Pakistan’s most accomplished cricketers of the modern era, said consistency and discipline were more important than expecting immediate success, offering advice to aspiring players hoping to represent the country.
“My message is simple, believe in yourself and keep working hard. You will not get results in a week or a month, but routines matter. The more you follow your routines and keep improving your game, the better it will be for you,” he said.
Pakistan cricket has undergone a period of transition following a series of inconsistent results across formats, with selectors increasingly investing in younger players ahead of a demanding international schedule. The team has faced scrutiny from fans and former players, but Babar said setbacks were an inherent part of sport.
“The expectations of fans are always high and we know they want Pakistan to perform well in every match. Sometimes as a team, you execute your plans and sometimes you do not get the desired results. That is the beauty of the game, you learn from both winning and losing,” he said.
Babar appealed to supporters to remain patient with the side, saying the players were committed to meeting the country’s expectations despite the challenges of rebuilding.
“We expect the fans to support us and we will try our best to meet their expectations,” he added.
Widely regarded as one of Pakistan’s leading batsman Babar has frequently spoken about the importance of mental resilience and maintaining focus amid intense public scrutiny. His latest comments come as Pakistan continues to reshape its squad with an eye on future international competitions, where a blend of experienced players and emerging talent is expected to form the core of the team.
