Babar Azam criticized for Pakistan's fast bowling decline

Babar Azam is facing scrutiny for his role in Pakistan's fast bowling decline, particularly due to his preference for flatter pitches during his captaincy. Following a 0-2 Test series loss to Bangladesh, analysts noted that Pakistani bowlers have been outpaced by their opponents. Speed records showed Bangladesh's bowlers regularly hitting higher speeds, contrasting sharply with Pakistan's slower pace attack. Shaheen Shah Afridi's performance decline, following a knee injury, highlights the overall issues facing the pace lineup. Continuous demands for batting-friendly conditions have drawn criticism for hindering fast bowlers' development at both domestic and international levels.

• 1:30 AMYahoo Sports — 'Wanted flatter pitches': Babar Azam partly blamed for Pakistan's fast bowling decline