Babar Azam faced backlash for his slow batting during Pakistan’s defeat to New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 opener. Chasing 321 runs, he scored 64 off 90 balls, taking 81 deliveries to reach his half-century, which drew criticism from former players, including Wasim Akram and India’s Ravichandran Ashwin. Ashwin questioned Babar’s lack of intent, emphasizing that a single attractive shot isn’t enough to win games. He highlighted Babar’s hesitance and slower pace compared to teammates. Pakistan’s loss makes their path to the semi-finals more challenging, requiring victories against India and Bangladesh to qualify.
Star Pakistan batter Babar Azam has faced considerable criticism for his performance during Pakistan’s loss to New Zealand in the opening match of the Champions Trophy 2025. In pursuit of 321 runs, Babar took 81 balls to reach his half-century and eventually concluded with a score of 64 off 90 balls. While he has drawn flak from Pakistani legends like Wasim Akram, former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin has also commented on Babar’s lack of aggression during the challenging run chase.
“I don’t want anyone to misinterpret my words. Babar Azam is a gifted cricketer. Even yesterday, he played a stunning cover drive. But a single cover drive doesn’t win matches,” Ashwin said in a segment on his Hindi YouTube channel, ‘Ash ki Baat’.
“Intent kaha tha? Ghar me rakh ke aaya tha kya? (Where was the intent? Did he leave it at home?)” Ashwin questioned.
“Until Salman Ali Agha came to the crease, the scoreboard didn’t budge at all. I can understand if a player is out of form or if the ball is swinging or seaming, but two off-spinners were bowling!” Ashwin elaborated.
“Babar didn’t advance to play a single ball, and when he did attempt, he struggled. He was unable to execute the sweep, reverse sweep, or cut,” Ashwin assessed.
Ashwin emphasized that Babar should not have been hesitant to take risks while batting aggressively. “Get out! Score 50 runs and get out; there are other players waiting to bat,” he suggested.
Babar’s sluggish innings saw Pakistan lose two wickets within the first 10 overs, leaving them at a mere 22/1, needing an additional 299 runs in 40 overs.
Ashwin pointed out that even Fakhar Zaman, who was hampered by an injury, took more risks and displayed greater intent than Babar did.
“When Fakhar Zaman was at the crease, Mitchell Santner did not bowl. An injured Fakhar Zaman was taking more risks than Babar,” Ashwin criticized.
Ultimately, Pakistan fell short by 60 runs, complicating their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals. As the host of a significant tournament for the first time in almost thirty years, Pakistan must now secure victories against India and Bangladesh to ensure a spot in the knockout stage.
Pakistan’s next match is against their arch-rivals India in Dubai on Sunday, February 23. Following that, they will return to Pakistan for their final game against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.
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