'What kind of authority does he have?' - Michael Atherton questions Babar Azam's authority as Pakistan captain

Pakistan's Test squad underwent a dramatic overhaul midway through the ongoing three-match series in England, which runs from August 19 to September 13, 2026. The Pakistan Cricket Board sent seven players home, including Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha and Imam-ul-Haq, following defeats in the first two Tests. The board also removed coaches Sarfaraz Ahmed and Umar Gul, with Mike Hesson set to take charge for the third Test at Edgbaston beginning September 9.

England won the Headingley Test by an innings and 103 runs before securing a 194-run victory at Lord's. Babar Azam, reappointed as Pakistan Test captain on July 5, 2026, replacing Shan Masood, missed the series opener due to a right-hand injury.

Former English cricketer Michael Atherton has questioned whether Babar Azam, or any Pakistan captain for that matter, can command genuine authority within the team after the Pakistan Cricket Board’s sweeping intervention. The former England captain believes the changes could have long-term repercussions for the team, irrespective of the outcome of the final Test.

“Not in this instance, no, because of the damage it will do in the long term. This is no way to manage players and no way to build a long-term vision at all,” Atherton said on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast.

“I feel it's a horrible position for a captain, Babar Azam, to be in - and what kind of authority does he or indeed any captain of Pakistan have in this outfit?” he added.

Atherton questions Babar’s authority

Atherton believes the developments during the England series could leave Babar in a difficult position when it comes to asserting his authority in the Pakistan dressing room. While acknowledging that captains no longer wield the same level of power they once did, he stressed that they must still have a meaningful role in important team decisions.

“One understands that the captain is not all-powerful these days, you're not going back 30 years ago when they perhaps ran the show, but they have to have some authority within a team,” said Atherton.