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After a slow half-century against New Zealand, Babar Azam departed early in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash against India. Babar edged the ball to Hardik Pandya while playing away from the body. As India beat Pakistan by six wickets in Dubai, Babar has been facing harsh criticism from former cricketers. Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez lampooned Babar who has been often referred to as 'King' similar to Virat Kohli. Hafeez wants Babar to perform and not rely on PR campaigns.
“Babar Azam is not the true king. It is Virat Kohli. Look at his performances. He has dominated all over the world. Get out of your PR machinery. We need a performer,” Hafeez said on the show "Game On Hai" on Tampad.
Hafeez pointed towards his fellow panellists Shoaib Akhtar, Shoaib Malik and Younis Khan who was not part of the discussion and lauded them for their match-winning performances against India
“Babar Azam is a good product. You tell me his one player of the match performance against India,” he said.
“Why do we always remember Shoaib Akhtar’s performances against India. Why Younis Khan is a big name when we talk about India-Pakistan match. Shoaib Malik has big performances against India.
“Tell me Babar Azam, the best Pakistani product that has come in the past 10 years. Tell me his one good performance against India.
“Babar Azam is not Inzamam-ul-Haq.
“Inzi bhai used to win matches for Pakistan in difficult conditions.
“Babar Azam has not won a single match against India to date."
Hafeez questions Babar's impact in SENA countries
Hafeez went on to slam Babar for his lack of performances in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand and Australia). He wants the selectors to move on from him.
“He is playing for the past 10 years and has never become a player of the series in SENA countries. In Australia or England he has never led Pakistan to victory," said the 44-year-old.
“We need to show them the mirror. We need to realise that those who we are banking on are not performing and we should move on from them.
“Give the opportunity to them who are waiting in the system.”
Pakistan are on the brink of elimination from Champions Trophy 2025. If New Zealand beat Bangladesh on February 24, Pakistan will be knocked out of the tournament.
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