Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam has faced severe criticism for his slow-paced innings in the team’s opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand.
Babar, who scored 64 off 90 balls, failed to hit a boundary between the 15th and 32nd overs, a period that many believe significantly impacted Pakistan’s chase of 321 runs.
Former Pakistan and foreign cricketers, including Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis, have openly criticized Babar’s approach, calling it outdated and a major reason for Pakistan’s defeat.
Wasim Akram:
Wasim Akram expressed his displeasure, saying, "I don’t want 60 off 90 balls from my main player. I’d rather have him getting 35 off 30 balls and get out instead.” Akram pointed out that vice-captain Salman Ali Agha was taking risks while Babar Azam lacked intent.
Waqar Younis:
Waqar Younis also weighed in, emphasizing that a slow-paced innings like Babar’s would cost Pakistan more games than it would win. He criticized the team’s approach, which he described as outdated.
He noted that Pakistan needs to prioritize hitting boundaries and taking risks from the start, especially when chasing a high total like 321. Younis pointed out that players like Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan also struggled, with Rizwan making just 3 runs from 14 balls.
Mohammad Kaif:
Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif joined the criticism, calling Babar Azam’s batting style outdated and reminiscent of the 1980s. He specifically pointed out Babar’s struggle against part-time spinners and his lack of aggression in the middle overs.
Ahmed Shehzad:
Ahmed Shehzad, also a former cricketer, expressed frustration over Babar’s performance, stressing that the country needs him to lead by example. He highlighted the 52 dot balls Babar faced, which he believed contributed to Pakistan’s downfall in the match.
Shoaib Akhtar:
Shoaib Akhtar, another former cricketer, questioned the team’s batting strategy, particularly the decision not to open with Mohammad Rizwan after Fakhar Zaman’s injury. He also criticized the lack of intent to score quickly, pointing out Salman Ali Agha’s aggressive knock as a rare bright spot.
With Pakistan’s next match against India on February 23, 2025, another defeat could put them at risk of being knocked out of the tournament. The team’s batting strategy and Babar Azam’s role in it will be under intense scrutiny as they prepare for this high-stakes encounter.
