ENG vs PAK: Babar Azam's 'Man of the Series' Defence Over His Form Sparks Criticism (WATCH)

Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam faces criticism for his response to a journalist questioning his form ahead of the final England Test. Babar cited his Man of the Series award against the West Indies, but fans called the reply arrogant amid his struggles.

Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has come under heavy criticism following his combative response to a senior sports journalist during a press conference ahead of the third and final Test of the series against England at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Wednesday, September 9.

Babar Azam is currently at the centre of attention following chaotic scenes in Pakistan cricket, where facing an unassailable 0-2 deficit in the series after a dismal 194-run defeat at Lord’s. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) triggered a squad overhaul by sending seven players, alongside two coaches, back home in a desperate bid to salvage the tour.

At the same time, Babar’s form has also been under scrutiny after registering scores of 8 and 6 in both innings of the Lord’s Test, following his absence from the opening Test due to a hand injury, adding further fuel to the fire ahead of the crucial Edgbaston encounter.

‘I Was Man of the Series Against West Indies’

Babar Azam’s press conference on the eve of the Test series finale against England at Edgbaston was the most anticipated one, given the recent turmoil surrounding the team. However, Pakistan’s Test captain encountered a question about his form and how he intended to justify his place in the playing XI amidst the team's ongoing struggles.

In a video that went viral on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), a journalist was heard asking Babar about his recent Test performances and how he could justify his place in the playing XI, particularly after Pakistan decided to send several underperforming players back home.

The 32-year-old responded by defending his recent output, pointing directly to his exploits in the Caribbean earlier in the summer.

“If you talk about my performance, I guess I was the man of the series against West Indies as Captain," Babar said.

BABAR AZAM COOKED SENIOR SPORTS JOURNALIST 🗣:

"If you talk about my performance, I guess I was the man of the series against West Indies as Captain." 🥶🔥 pic.twitter.com/ozbxws1hdu

— Rayham. (@RayhamUnplugged) September 8, 2026

In the two-match Test series against West Indies, Babar Azam aggregated 193 runs, including two fifties, at an average of 96.50 and was adjudged Man of the Series, earning his first such red-ball accolade as skipper.

However, Babar shared the award with the West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves, as both players played instrumental roles in securing the 1-1 drawn series in the Caribbean.

Babar Azam’s Defence Over His Form Leaves Fans Furious

Babar Azam’s reply to the reporter quickly drew widespread criticism on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), with fans and cricket enthusiasts questioning the Pakistan captain’s decision to highlight his Man of the Series award while defending his recent form.

Taking to their X handles, many pointed out that Babar shared the award with Justin Greaves and had struggled for runs in the ongoing Test series against England, while others labelled his response as ‘arrogant’ and questioned his credentials as Pakistan’s Test captain amid his prolonged run of inconsistent performances.

However, some fans focused on Babar’s overall Test record, with one claiming that he has averaged just 29 over the last four years, while others questioned the significance of a shared Man of the Series award against the West Indies.

Babar Azam has just 1 Player of the Series award in his entire career and that was shared with Justin Greaves.

— Dev Raj Joshi (@Devrajjoshi1947) September 8, 2026

This is arrogance! Getting a shared POTS against a Rank 9 is not an achievement MF. Escaped first Test and scored 14 in 2 innings in 2nd test. He is generational fraud

— Khalid Omer (@DrKhalidOmer) September 8, 2026

This is the kind of arrogant attitude that has led to his downfall! He will never learn or improve.

Never heard Inzi, YK or Yousuf answer with such arrogance, despite being proven match-winners in their playing days.

Babar is not even amongst the Top 5 Pakistani Test batsmen.… pic.twitter.com/olk0pblVBD

— RaVeN (@Raafae) September 8, 2026

Bragging man of the series award after making a criminal / selfish 50 in a loosing test match& didn’t even try to win it , hiding behind tailenders just to get milestones and maintain his average!!!!

— A.Imran (@cricket_20020) September 8, 2026

His biggest problem is his attitude! He made a 8 and a 6 any other respectable person would handle the question differently!

— Simple Life (@KH4NS) September 8, 2026

Is Babar delusional?

— LastOver BeforeDrinks (@LastoverB) September 8, 2026

Blud averaging 29 in the last 4 years and hyping shared Man of the Series award against 9th ranked team West Indies.😭😭😭 https://t.co/cTnrp074rc

— Daniyal (@Daniyal550) September 8, 2026

Babar Azam has just 1 Player of the Series award in his entire career 

and that was shared with Justin Greaves

Let that sink in 😂😂 https://t.co/xrn1s4EX4Q

— Ash (@Ashsay_) September 8, 2026

What a pathetic reply? So much arrogance on consistent failures.
Man of the series against 9th ranked team, sharing with another player is not an achievement to flex upon. You runaway from 1st match in Leeds, made 14 runs in 2 inns at lords. Flat pitch bully https://t.co/7XfIqMkr9j

— Engr Ehsan (@ehsanUSMANI) September 8, 2026

After having already lost the series with two consecutive losses against England at Headingley and Lord’s, the Babar Azam-led Pakistan has no other option but to fight for pride as they step out at Edgbaston to salvage something from an otherwise catastrophic tour.