Babar Azam’s elevation as the ODI and T20I captain of Pakistan team has prompted many to believe that the batsman will have success in his role. Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has also shared his best wishes with Azam and also gave some useful advice for the young skipper.

The Sialkot-born Malik said that Azam has to support his players like Indian captain Virat Kohli does. He insisted that Kohli fights for his players on the field, something which Babar Azam should also do. Malik wanted to make a point that the players should not feel insecure during their time with the team.

Talking about things the new Pakistan captain can draw from Kohli, Malik said, “Now he [Babar] is a captain in two formats and I hope he succeeds. My best wishes are always with him.” “At the same time, he needs to support his players and make a pool of cricketers. Like Virat Kohli, Babar should fully back his players so that they fight for him on the field and he becomes a great captain. This way, players won’t be insecure about losing their place after one or two bad performances.”

I am a fan of Babar Azam. I like his work ethic a lot: Shoaib Malik

Malik then talked about the roles and responsibilities of a captain. The 38-year-old was himself given captaincy at a very young age back in 2007 after Inzamam-ul-Haq’s retirement. He didn’t captain the team for a long time but during his tenure, Pakistan became runners-up during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2007. He then led Pakistan a few times in 2018 and 2019 when Sarfaraz Ahmed was given rest.

“When you make someone a captain then give them power because the captain runs the entire show. It is a good decision by PCB to make him captain for the long term. He needs to be given full authority so that he makes his own team,” Malik mentioned.

Talking about Azam, Malik credited him for having a great work ethic. He also praised him for his hard work and struggles which has helped him scale new heights.

“I am a fan of Babar Azam. I like his work ethic a lot. Babar doesn’t stray away from his work ethic despite being surrounded by a negative culture. His story can be inspiring for upcoming youngsters. I feel very proud when he gets praise from all over the world,” he added.