Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has slammed the decision to promote star batter Babar Azam to play as an opener ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
His comments came in the wake of Pakistan’s thumping five-wicket loss in the tri-nation ODI series final against New Zealand at the newly renovated National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Friday.
Basit Ali, while speaking on his YouTube channel, stated that winning the tri-nation would have boosted the confidence of the squad going into the mega-event.
“If Pakistan had won the tri-nation series, the confidence level of every player would have been high,” he said.
“Winning this tri-nation series could have boosted morale. Now, what will be your confidence level? Cricket is a game of confidence, and if that is shaken, you are left behind.”
The former batter then criticised the decision to open the innings with Babar, despite the right-hander’s exceptional record at number three.
“Who advised Babar Azam to open the innings? I am surprised by this decision,” Basit questioned.
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“What kind of thinking is this? He was performing well at number three, scoring 50-70 runs against South Africa, but they changed his position.
“Now, just 62 runs in three matches in the tri-series. This is the approach and mindset of the management.”
Basit Ali also opened up on the comparison of Babar Azam with Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar.
“They say even Sachin opened the innings and scored a century in his first match in Sri Lanka. But you removed Babar from No. 3, where he was excelling, and now you’ve destroyed his rhythm,” he said.
For the unversed, Babar’s performance in this new role has been underwhelming, with low scores of 10, 23 and 29 in the recently concluded tri-nation ODI series.
The defending champions and hosts Pakistan will begin their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a game against New Zealand on February 19, followed by the much-awaited clash against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23.
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