West Indies cricket legend and Quetta Gladiators mentor Sir Vivian Richards has thrown his weight behind the struggling Pakistan cricket team, expressing confidence in their potential to bounce back. His words come at a time when both the team and star batter Babar Azam are facing mounting criticism after a string of disappointing results.
In an interview with Cricket Pakistan, Richards addressed the ongoing concerns surrounding Babar’s dip in form. He stated that such challenges are part of a player’s journey and insisted that Babar still has the qualities of a top cricketer. According to Richards, all great players go through tough phases, and this one for Babar would also pass.
Drawing comparisons with other modern greats, he suggested that players like Babar and Virat Kohli bring honour to the game through their skill and temperament. Richards referred to Babar as someone who does “justice to the game,” and stressed the importance of supporting talented individuals during difficult times.
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Beyond Babar, Richards also commented on the current state of Pakistan cricket. He remarked that every team experiences ups and downs, and this was simply one of those moments for Pakistan. He praised the natural talent within the country and expressed hope that with the right management and guidance, Pakistan would return to the top.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is looking to fill the vacant head coach position following Aaqib Javed’s exit after the 2025 Champions Trophy. According to reports, former New Zealand coach Mike Hesson is among the names being considered. Other candidates include Australia’s Simon Katich and New Zealand’s Luke Ronchi.
The new coach is expected to play a key role in rebuilding the team’s confidence and performance on the global stage.