Babar Azam’s form in the Champions Trophy 2025 has been criticized, particularly for his defensive approach against stronger teams. Danish Kaneria questions his performance, noting that most of his runs come against weaker opponents like Zimbabwe. Pakistan’s early exit from the tournament has increased scrutiny on the PCB’s selections and strategies.
In the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025, Babar Azam has not exhibited his usual form. He managed a cautious innings of 64 runs off 90 balls against New Zealand while chasing a daunting target of 321 runs. Following that, he started well against India but could not secure a significant score, falling to a catch behind the wicket.
Danish Kaneria, a former Pakistan cricketer, has voiced his concerns regarding Babar Azam’s scoring pattern, stating that he tends to score runs mainly against lower-ranked teams like Zimbabwe. He questioned Babar’s intent, suggesting that the star batter lacks the necessary aggression when playing against stronger opponents.
Currently, Babar Azam has lost his top ranking in One Day Internationals (ODI) to India’s Shubman Gill. For the past two years, he has accumulated 1,442 runs in 35 innings, averaging 45 with a strike rate of 82.49, ranking him lower than many others with over 1,000 runs in the same period.
Danish Kaneria further highlighted the overall weaknesses in Pakistan’s batting lineup, mentioning that while players like Salman Agha and Khushdil Shah contribute occasionally, there is no substantial depth. He also noted that wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan’s performance has waned significantly.
Pakistan has faced defeats in their initial two matches against New Zealand and India, leading to their elimination from the Champions Trophy. They are scheduled to play their final match against Bangladesh on February 27. Following their exit, there has been considerable disappointment within the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), especially regarding the team’s performance against India.
Reports indicate that the PCB is disheartened by the team’s showing in the tournament and has chosen to remain silent about internal matters until after the Champions Trophy concludes on March 9. Additionally, Kaneria criticized the PCB’s focus on infrastructure over team selection, emphasizing the need for a stronger squad in such major tournaments.
In summary, Babar Azam’s performance in the Champions Trophy has raised concerns among analysts and fans alike, particularly regarding his ability to score against elite teams. Danish Kaneria’s comments reflect broader frustrations within the cricket community about the national team’s inconsistency and weaknesses in the batting order. With early exits from the tournament, the PCB faces significant scrutiny as they plan for future competitions. The urgency for improvement in team selection and performance, especially in the face of a disappointing outing against rivals India, is imperative for the PCB moving forward.
Original Source: www.news18.com
