Former Pakistan all-rounder and coach Mudassar Nazar has weighed in on the ongoing comparison between India’s Virat Kohli and Pakistan’s Babar Azam, asserting that Kohli has already secured his place as one of the all-time greats in cricket, while Babar still has much to prove. Nazar, who represented Pakistan from 1976 to 1989, expressed a clear distinction between the two, stating that Kohli has achieved a level of greatness that Babar has yet to reach.
“There’s a vast difference between the two players,” Nazar said in an interview with PTI. “Virat will go down in history as one of the finest players to ever grace the game. On the other hand, Babar still has to carve out his legacy.”
Kohli’s Unmatched Record
Kohli recently became the fastest cricketer to reach 27,000 international runs, achieving the milestone during India’s Test series against Bangladesh. India won the series 2-0, further cementing Kohli’s legendary status. His consistency and ability to perform across all formats make him a standout player in modern cricket.
In contrast, Babar Azam has been struggling to find form in all formats for over a year, raising concerns about his current trajectory. Nazar pointed out that Babar, though highly talented, is still in the process of establishing his name on the global stage.
Praise for Rohit Sharma and Kohli
Nazar also shared his admiration for Indian skipper Rohit Sharma, describing him and Kohli as two of the most enjoyable players to watch. “When Rohit and Kohli are at their best, it’s pure pleasure to watch them bat. You could sit for hours in front of the TV, mesmerized by their performances,” Nazar remarked.
PCB Criticized for Pakistan’s Decline
Shifting focus to the current state of Pakistan cricket, Nazar did not hold back in criticizing the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). He argued that the constant changes in leadership and the internal conflicts, such as the reported tension between Babar and Shaheen Afridi, have contributed to Pakistan’s recent struggles.
“It’s our own fault that we’ve created this mess,” Nazar said. He lamented the instability within the team, particularly pointing to Babar Azam’s resignation as limited-overs captain. According to Nazar, the PCB’s frequent changes in leadership and team structure have prevented any long-term stability, resulting in underperformance in major tournaments, including the 2023 ODI World Cup and the T20 World Cup.
Pakistan’s Declining Form and Hope for the Future
Pakistan cricket has hit a rough patch in recent months, including suffering a historic home Test series defeat to Bangladesh. This loss, combined with the team’s disappointing World Cup campaigns, has intensified scrutiny of the PCB and its management.
Nazar stressed that while Pakistan is currently struggling, the nation still has immense cricketing talent, though much of it is being mismanaged or lost within the system. He remained hopeful that Pakistan will eventually rise again, saying, “Cricket goes in cycles. We are down now, but all it takes is three or four new players to come in and make an impact, and we could be one of the top teams again.”
Nazar, who scored 6,767 runs and took 177 wickets in his international career, believes that Pakistan’s future can be bright if the right steps are taken to nurture young talent. However, he insisted that the first step must come from the PCB, which needs to address the underlying issues and provide stability within the team.
In conclusion, while praising Kohli’s undeniable greatness, Mudassar Nazar remains critical of the challenges facing Pakistan cricket, holding the PCB accountable for the ongoing struggles. Despite the current downturn, he remains optimistic about the future, confident that Pakistan will eventually regain its place among cricket’s elite.
