'Who are these people who made Babar open?' Ex Pakistani cricketer got angry before Champions Trophy

Concerns seem to be mounting for the host Pakistan cricket team ahead of the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025. Just before the Champions Trophy, Pakistan suffered a defeat at the hands of New Zealand in the tri-series, after which many former cricketers started raising questions on the team management and players. In this episode, former cricketer Basit Ali has slammed the team's decision to open with star batsman Babar Azam in the recently concluded tri-series. After young opener Sam Ayub fractured his right ankle, Pakistan opted to keep Babar in the top order along with Fakhar Zaman.

However, the move did not work out in the tri-series as Babar scored only 62 runs in three matches, averaging less than 21. Pakistan suffered heavy defeats against New Zealand, including a five-wicket loss in the final in Karachi. With the 2025 Champions Trophy just days away, Pakistan's decision to promote Babar to the opening spot has been widely criticised.

Talking about this, 54-year-old Basit Ali expressed his displeasure over the matter and said, “If the team had won the tri-series, it would have boosted their confidence and every player's enthusiasm. But the question is who advised Babar Azam to open the innings? I am honestly surprised who are these people? What a strange decision.”

Speaking further, he said, “He was doing well at number three, scoring 50-70 runs consistently against South Africa, but they removed him from that position as well. Now he has managed to score only 62 runs in three matches in the tri-series. This is the approach, this is the mindset. They talk about how Sachin also opened the innings in Sri Lanka and scored a century, but here they removed Babar from his successful position at number 3, which completely ruined his rhythm. Everyone keeps discussing the India match, but we should have focused on New Zealand first. Will our team be ready for them? Will the pitch be the same? Can Salman Aga bowl 10 overs? Are we going to include Khushdil Shah? Rizwan was clearly upset with the inclusion of Faheem Ashraf. He did not give him the ball after just two overs and called him back only when the match was already out of reach.”