Azhar's scathing assessment comes in the wake of severe fallout after heavy defeats at Headingley and Lord's, which saw head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed and bowling coach Umar Gul being relieved of their duties and seven players sent home. The turmoil has drawn widespread criticism, with Shahid Afridi calling it \u2018the most shocking decision ever\u2019 and Misbah-ul-Haq resigning as a selector in protest.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\"People used to say you could expect anything from Pakistan \u2013 that any team could turn up on any given day and either be 46 all out or win from nowhere. But we don\u2019t even do that inconsistency any more. We\u2019ve become totally consistent \u2013 in the most negative way.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cCricket in Pakistan needs proper care and a vision that gives hope to a nation on the brink of losing their appetite. If we don\u2019t pull our socks up, we won\u2019t be able to bring people back. You cannot lose hope but the signs are not good,\" Azhar was quoted as saying by The Guardian on Monday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Azhar, who played 97 Tests, specifically called out High Performance Director and senior selector Aaqib Javed for trying to distance himself from the squad's poor performances. \"We have had bad decisions like these for three years now. He should take responsibility for performances. His judgment should be questioned. I listened to his interview this week and he was trying to put the blame on Sarfaraz and Babar.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cHe appointed them just a few months earlier! That was enough for me to judge someone. Every decision he makes backfires and he then says: \u2018It\u2019s not me.\u2019 Look at yourself first. And if you cannot control this team, if you cannot make a difference to Pakistan cricket, then step away.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Azhar also sympathised with captain Azam, who has struggled for making runs in recent years and leading the side with an unstable team management. \"It is probably the worst time to captain Pakistan right now,. He has to consider his options too, I believe. Every player goes through periods of low scores but as a nation we just kept expecting him to deliver and criticism followed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt has played on his mind and he has doubted himself, while lacking any internal support. I don\u2019t think he is as mentally strong as Misbah or, say, Younis Khan. Misbah was not as talented as Babar but he was far tougher. Younis faced criticism but never lost his targets. Everyone is different though. We have to realise that and create an environment where he can flourish, not be pulled back.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Azhar, who worked as Pakistan\u2019s head of youth development before stepping down last year, concluded by saying that any turnaround of the side would require patience and structured administrative backing.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cIt has played on his mind and he has doubted himself, while lacking any internal support. I don\u2019t think he is as mentally strong as Misbah or, say, Younis Khan. Misbah was not as talented as Babar but he was far tougher. Younis faced criticism but never lost his targets. Everyone is different though. We have to realise that and create an environment where he can flourish, not be pulled back.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cBut major work done by competent people in the pathway \u2013 that is how we come back. It\u2019s not about quick fixes. We cannot change in the space of a year. That\u2019s impossible. But four to five? I believe the talent is there to make it happen.\"<\/p>\r\n\r\n