“We become traitors for criticizing Babar Azam”: Ex-player launches scathing attack on star batter
Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign got off to a disastrous start, with Babar Azam facing heavy criticism after their crushing 60-run defeat to New Zealand. Former cricketer Basit Ali didn’t mince words, accusing Babar of lacking intent and prioritizing personal milestones over the team’s needs.
Opening the batting with Saud Shakeel, Babar struggled to 64 off 90 balls during Pakistan’s chase of 321, leaving the team in a precarious position. His slow approach, combined with poor performances from Mohammad Rizwan (3 off 14) and Saud Shakeel (6 off 19), meant Pakistan’s innings lacked any real momentum.
Though lower-order contributions from Khushdil Shah (69 off 49) and Salman Agha (42 off 28) added some late fight, the damage was done, and Pakistan was bowled out for 260.
“Was he playing for his own benefit? He took 81 balls to reach fifty. Was that for himself, not for the country? Is the nation less important than Babar? Is he above the nation? He hit just five fours, while Salman Ali Agha managed more,” Basit remarked during an interview with ARY News.
“Criticizing Babar Azam often leads to being called a traitor. But when we praise him, does he listen? No,” the former cricketer added.
Pakistan’s bowling attack had no answers as New Zealand dominated from the start, with Will Young (107) and Tom Latham (118*) tearing apart the attack. Haris Rauf had a tough outing, conceding 83 runs while taking two wickets, and Shaheen Afridi went wicketless. Naseem Shah made a promising start but faltered in the death overs.
This defeat, Pakistan’s fourth to New Zealand in the Champions Trophy, severely hurt their semifinal chances. Their next two matches, including a crucial clash against India on February 23, are must-win. With New Zealand in control of the group, Pakistan cannot afford another slip-up, as they also face Bangladesh in their final group match.
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