Is Babar Azam’s Superstar Status in Cricket Truly Deserved? A bold question that’s sparking heated debates among cricket fans worldwide. After Pakistan’s nail-biting T20 World Cup opener against the Netherlands, where they narrowly escaped defeat thanks to Faheem Ashraf’s heroics, all eyes are on star batter Babar Azam—but for all the wrong reasons. And this is the part most people miss: Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has dropped a bombshell prediction that Babar might be dropped from the XI for their upcoming clash against the USA. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is Babar’s underwhelming performance a one-off, or does it reveal a deeper mismatch between his style and the T20 format? Let’s dive in.
In the match against the Netherlands, Babar scored a modest 15 runs off 18 balls at a strike rate of 83.33 before being dismissed by Roelof van der Merwe. Basit Ali, speaking on The Game Plan alongside Kamran Akmal, didn’t hold back. He suggested that Babar’s position at No. 4 is a forced fit, and the frustration on coach Mike Hesson’s face was palpable. “I have a feeling Babar won’t play in Pakistan’s next game,” Basit Ali stated bluntly. “How is he a superstar in T20Is? Kahaan se superstar hai?” he questioned, challenging Babar’s suitability for the format.
Basit Ali’s critique didn’t stop there. He argued that Babar’s strength lies in ODIs and Tests, not T20s, where players like Shadab Khan, Usman Khan, and even Salman Ali Agha have proven more effective. “Even a club cricketer would tell you these players are better suited for T20s,” he claimed. He also highlighted Babar’s inability to assert his preferred batting position, asking, “Doesn’t Babar know he’s not a No. 4 batter?”
Kamran Akmal chimed in, suggesting the management is “forcibly fitting” Babar into a role that doesn’t suit him. “Why do we keep playing games like these against teams like the Netherlands? Because you’re not building a system—you’re obliging players,” he added. Basit Ali then posed a thought-provoking question: “Has Babar Azam ever won us a game when the required rate was 10 runs per over?” His answer? “Babar ka kasoor hai!” (Babar is at fault).
The conversation then turned to potential replacements, with Khawaja Nafay mentioned as a possible alternative. However, Basit Ali pointed out the lack of experience among newer players, contrasting it with the extensive opportunities given to Babar and Mohammad Rizwan. “You won’t find others with that kind of experience,” he noted, raising questions about Pakistan’s player development strategy.
But here’s the real question for you: Is Babar Azam’s struggle a temporary slump, or is it time for Pakistan to rethink their T20 lineup? Do you agree with Basit Ali’s harsh criticism, or do you believe Babar still has a place in the T20 format? Let’s spark a debate—share your thoughts in the comments below!
