Former cricketer Basit Ali has targeted Babar Azam before the Champions Trophy, but this time Babar has taken it a step further as criticism from Basit came after last year’s T20 World Cup, where he was demoted from captaincy. However, Babar would be opening batting for Pakistan in the ICC tournament, as Pakistan’s young talent Saim Ayub has been ruled out from the tournament with an injury. Basit feels that the opening position might be used as an excuse for Babar’s performance if he doesn’t score, as his place in the squad would be guaranteed irrespective of run tally. However, Basit does wish that Babar will stand up and contribute considerably toward Pakistan’s title defense.
If Babar Doesn’t Perform What Excuse Will He Give?
“Babar’s place in the team will remain unaffected, irrespective of his performance in the Champions Trophy. I hope Babar performs. If he performs, he will say I played for Pakistan. If he doesn’t perform, he will say I was forcefully made to open,” Basit said on his YouTube channel.
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Basit Ali’s Prediction
“Fakhar’s opening partner could be either Babar Azam or Saud Shakeel, depending on various factors such as conditions, opposition and match strategy. Both players are highly capable at the top of the order, with Babar being particularly seasoned in the role, regularly opening in T20Is and also excelling in the Cape Town Test by scoring two half-centuries in Saim Ayub’s absence.”
Babar Azam Likely To Open For Pakistan
After Babar’s decision to step down post the T20 World Cup 2024, Mohammad Rizwan will captain the team and first face a tri-series against South Africa and New Zealand before Pakistan’s match play starts. The team management will finalize its second opener during this series. However, Asad Shafiq, a member of the selection committee, has already hinted that Babar is the leading contender for the opening spot, though Saud Shakeel could also be considered as a partner for Fakhar Zaman. The Champions Trophy will begin in Karachi on February 19, with Pakistan defending their title against New Zealand in the opening match.
