Lahore, May 30, 2025: A war of words has erupted between former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal and Azam Siddique, the father of star batter Babar Azam, after Akmal recently suggested that Babar and fellow opener Mohammad Rizwan should be restricted to Test cricket in the future.
During a podcast appearance earlier this week, Akmal supported the exclusion of the duo from Pakistan’s T20I squad, stating it was “absolutely the right decision.” He said both players are more suited to the longer format and added:
“Maybe after another six months, they should be considered only for Test cricket… and even be sidelined from ODIs.”
In response, Azam Siddique shared an old photograph of himself, Babar, and Kamran Akmal, indirectly hitting back at the former wicketkeeper’s comments. In the Instagram post, Siddique wrote:
“This child (Babar) never played under your captaincy, but you played under his and got out for zero while he scored a century. Talking behind the backs of successful people is a compulsion of those who have failed.”
He further added a cryptic Turkish proverb referencing Habil and Qabil (Abel and Cain), questioning Akmal’s intentions and loyalty.
Kamran Akmal did not remain silent. Sharing a screenshot of Siddique’s post on his Instagram story, he responded firmly:
“May Allah bless you with even more respect and success. But being silent is not an option every time, especially when false narratives are being spread.”
He continued:
“Next time please choose your words more carefully. There are clear boundaries, and you’ve crossed them more than once. Stay within your limits.”
Akmal emphasized that his comments were strictly cricket-related and not personal. He advised Siddique to “not lose his respect” by continuing on this path and reiterated:
“Cricket is about performance, not personal agendas. And if you’re going to hit at someone, be clear. Truth doesn’t hide in shadows. Pakistan always Zindabad.”
Akmal’s remarks have added fuel to ongoing debates about Babar Azam’s recent form and his role in Pakistan’s white-ball squads, especially with a transitional phase expected post-World Cup. Critics and fans remain divided, with some echoing Akmal’s view that new blood is needed in T20s, while others see the remarks as an unnecessary personal attack.
Meanwhile, Babar Azam has not commented publicly on the matter. However, the spat between a veteran cricketer and the father of Pakistan’s most celebrated batter has stirred controversy in the national cricketing community.
