RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesEx-Pakistan star takes brutal swipe at Babar Azam, calls him a 'great player only for social media,' not a match-winner originally appeared on Cricket News .
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Basit Ali criticised Babar Azam after Pakistan 's Test series loss against England .
The former Pakistan player questioned Babar's ability to deliver in crucial moments.
Basit said Babar's "great player" status is driven largely by fans and social media.
He also criticised Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan for their shot selection at Lord's .
Basit Ali slams Babar Azam after Pakistan’s Lord’s defeat
A poor tour performance of Pakistan in the Tests in England has led to another barrage of criticism from ex-players with former Pakistan batter Basit Ali criticising Pakistan captain Babar Azam.
Pakistan lost the series 2-0 as England secured a victory by 194 runs at Lord's in the second Test match on Sunday. Pakistan's batting collapsed once again under pressure, as Babar was dismissed for only six in the second innings with the side being all out for 194 while chasing 389.
The Pakistani skipper had made his comeback in the last Test match after he missed the first test due to an injury in his hand. He had declared himself 90% fit before the game, but he could not come up with the innings that Pakistan badly needed.
MORE: Yousuf calls out Babar Azam and Pakistan players' poor technique
What did Basit Ali say about Babar Azam?
There was no holding back from Basit when he talked about what makes the real greats different from those who merely build up their popularity.
Speaking on The Game Plan show, the former Pakistan batter cited names of players like Majid Khan, Zaheer Abbas, Javed Miandad, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Younis Khan as those who have created their legend through performance during those times when Pakistan really needed them.
"They didn't become great players just like that. I'm not even talking about Sachin Tendulkar. I'm talking about my own countrymen. Saeed Anwar." he went on to name another.
"When you don't do anything in difficult times, what's the point? You're a great player in your fan following. You're a great player in front of social media."
Basit even mentioned Babar by name and asked him when he was going to play another special Test inning after his last century of 161 runs against New Zealand in Karachi in December 2022.
"When will you do it? I'm talking about Babar [Azam]. I'll take his name. He hasn't scored a [Test] hundred in four years. When will you do it?
"It's a matter of pain. When the entire country's batting depends on you. At least don't get out by hitting such a shot," Basit lamented.
Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali blasts at 🔔 ka king Babar Azam "True greatness is proven in difficult situations, not through PR and fan clubs. Babar Azam is a hero just for his social media fan base. When is he going to win Pakistan matches? We need match-winners on the… pic.twitter.com/iNoqZtR8kS
— Brutal Truth (@sarkarstix) August 31, 2026 MORE: 'Chapter closed': Amir closes door on national team return ahead of WC 2027
Basit Ali also criticises Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan
Basit also took pot shots at other senior Pakistan batters, besides Babar, as they had played poorly in the second innings of Lord’s.
Although Saud Shakeel provided the best fightback by scoring 97, Basit criticised his shot that got him out of the batting crease.
“I'm not even satisfied with Saud [Shakeel]'s shot. You've taken on five fielders and you're hitting such a shot,” Basit complained.
England dominated the game due to collapse of Pakistan who were down by 194 runs as Ollie Robinson ended up with 8-35 figures.
Basit also criticised Mohammad Rizwan who managed to score only one run before getting out.
"What shot did [Mohammad] Rizwan hit? Doesn't he have any sense? Is he playing a Test match or street cricket?"
MORE: Pakistan reportedly send Imam, Rizwan home after England Test series loss
Babar Azam must answer his critics on the field
Basit Ali’s critique might be harsh, but the point he makes is hard to dispute: Pakistan needs their best to rise up to the challenge when the time comes.
While Babar’s credentials have been made over the course of many excellent innings as a batter, questioning his credentials would not be fair as a batter. But the captaincy and the number one player are expected to do well in Tests, with the team’s batting order constantly crumbling.
The problem is not in Babar’s or other batter’s batting; Pakistan is in need of a complete overhaul of their batting line-up. Babar, Rizwan, Imam and the other top-order players had enough chances to be reliable, but they were unable to cope with pressure each time Pakistan faced England.
For Babar to quieten his critics, all he has to do is bat superbly when he needs to.
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