Pakistan star batter Babar Azam has been going through the rough phase, as his controversial dismissal in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy has left fans angry. Babar was dismissed for just 28 runs off 40 balls while playing for the Lahore Whites against the FATA Region on November 4.

However, it was the umpire's decision that has been slammed and questioned by many on social media. The incident also increased scrutiny over Babar's ongoing struggles in red-ball cricket. Recently, Mike Hesson asks Pakistan ground staff to prepare pace-friendly pitches for Sri Lanka Tests.

Babar Azam's controversial dismissal in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy

Babar Azam’s dismissal created a huge debate on social media after video replays showed that the ball appeared to brush his thigh pad or trousers before reaching the wicketkeeper. The Pakistan batter also appeared to suggest to the on-field umpire that the ball had not touched his bat.

Despite Babar’s reaction, the umpire gave him out. The absence of the Decision Review System (DRS) in the opening stages of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy – Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) premier first-class tournament – made things even more frustrating for Babar.

He had no option to challenge the decision and was forced to leave the field. The right-hander had to walk out after scoring 28 runs off 40 balls with the help of six boundaries, as Lahore Region dismissed 234 runs in their first innings against the FATA Region.

This was clearly Not Out. Babar Azam was also saying to umpire that ball hit his pads, but still umpire gave this OUT. PCB is 4th richest Board in the world and can't afford DRS in the domestic league. Pathetic Umpiring 🤡 . PCB is wasting the talent of Babar Azam.

— Nouman Hanif (@WickidNomi) November 4, 2026

Many fans questioned why the PCB does not use technology like DRS in the premier domestic red-ball competitions. They believe that the board should provide such facilities, especially when international stars like Babar return to domestic cricket to improve their form and regain confidence.

Mohammad Yousuf advises Babar Azam to avoid First-Class cricket, suggests specialised coaching

Meanwhile, former Pakistan cricketer Mohammad Yousuf has raised serious concerns about Babar Azam's batting technique after his disappointing performance in the recent ODI tri-series. Babar scored only 118 runs in five matches at an average of 23.60 and a strike rate of 74.21.

Yousuf felt that playing first-class cricket was not the right step for him at this stage. He believes that Babar should first work with specialised coaches to correct his technical problems. The former coach suggested that the former Pakistan captain should visit a professional academy in England or Australia for personal training.

He also warned that more struggles in domestic cricket could damage Babar's confidence and affect his career. However, Yousuf still considers Babar the best batter of Pakistan's current generation and believes that the right guidance, along with some hard work, can help him return to his best form. Amid this, Irfan Pathan breaks silence on Mohammad Amir joining his APL team.

Babar Azam need to fix his technical issues: Mohammad Yousuf

Mohammad Yousuf wrote, X: “I don't think Babar Azam should be playing first-class cricket until he fixes his technical issues through specialised coaching. Struggling in domestic cricket could further harm his confidence and career."

"Send him to an academy in England or Australia. He is still Pakistan's top player, and with the right guidance and a little effort, he can return to his best. I said this four years ago, and nobody listened. Please listen now.”

I don't think #BabarAzam should be playing first class cricket until he fixes his technical issues through specialized coaching. Struggling in domestic cricket could further harm his confidence and career. Send him to an academy in #England or #Australia. He is still Pakistan's top player, and with the right guidance and a little effort, he can return to his best. I said this four years ago, and nobody listened. Please listen now 🙏

— Mohammad Yousaf (@yousaf1788) November 1, 2026