‘Deliver or Say Goodbye’: Shoaib Akhtar Warns Pakistan Seniors That Babar’s ODI Spot Is on the Line

Shoaib Akhtar has delivered a blunt message to Pakistan's senior players ahead of the home ODI tri-series against Sri Lanka and England: perform, or face being axed.

Speaking on PTV Sports' Outside Edge programme, the former fast bowler claimed the team management is weighing Babar Azam's future in the ODI side. 'The big question mark is there,' Akhtar said, insisting he was speaking from inside knowledge — while stressing that Babar should be given every chance to prove his worth.

Pressure across the senior core

Akhtar said Babar is not alone under the microscope. Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Shadab Khan all carry what he called an unseen pressure heading into the tri-series. His verdict on the management's stance was stark: it is now 'play as you deliver' — no compromises on output.

Babar has answered critics before

It is worth noting Babar was Pakistan's leading run-scorer in their most recent ODI series against Australia, and captain Shaheen publicly backed him as the backbone of the team. The tri-series — opening against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi, with England to follow and the final in Lahore on October 31 — gives him an immediate stage to respond with the 2027 World Cup on the horizon.

Source: Indian Express / Gulf News