‘Babar Azam Let Pakistan Down’- Ahmed Shehzad After ICC Champions Trophy Loss To New Zealand

Babar Azam has been squarely blamed by former cricketer Ahmed Shehzad after Pakistan lost to New Zealand in the opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 on February 19. Ahmed Shehzad remarked that Babar let the nation down with his lethargic half-century in the Champions Trophy 2025 opening against New Zealand, which resulted in a devastating 60-run defeat.

Pakistan hosted an International Cricket Council event for the first time in 29 years. However, they struggled with both bat and ball against New Zealand at Karachi's National Bank Stadium on February 19. Babar Azam, who made 64 runs off 90 balls, struggled with the bat, which was a major issue in Pakistan's batting performance.

Pakistan lose CT opener

Ahmed Shehzad, speaking on Geo News' Haarna Mana Hay, indicated that Babar Azam was under enormous pressure. Shehzad noted that Babar bowled 52 dot balls out of Pakistan's 60 dot balls in the first 13 overs, which was the deciding factor in their defeat.

"He was extremely under pressure. There is so much investment in Babar Azam. He is a very good player. But where is he? The country needs him. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has invested a lot on Babar. He was given a free hand as a captain for four and five years. You have played 52 dot balls. In the first 13 overs, Pakistan has played 60 dot balls. You lost the game there only,” said Shehzad on the show.

He Has Not Performed for the Past Two-Three Years - Ahmed Shehzad

Ahmed Shehzad referred to Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan's approach as "schoolboy stuff," pointing out that as mature players, they achieved only 14 runs off 38 balls, missing out on the opportunity to score with the new ball when it was easier.

He said: “As a senior player Babar and Rizwan added 14 runs in 38 balls while chasing 321. This is schoolboy stuff. You know that ball was turning and it was a double-paced wicket. So scoring with a new ball was easy and your chance to put pressure on New Zealand. Babar didn’t show any intent.”

Shehzad lashes out at Babar Azam

Shehzad further mentioned that Babar has been underperforming for the last two to three years. The 33-year-old pointed out that Babar formerly dominated the ODI format but is currently struggling. He claimed that Babar's slow innings harmed Pakistan's hopes in the match against New Zealand.

“For the past two to three years, he has not performed. In the T20 his game lagged behind. In 59 Tests he has played, Babar has only one Player of the Match award. The then coach Mickey Arthur did all in his power to establish him on the Test side. In the ODIs, where Babar used to own the format. He is struggling. The way he has played against New Zealand, he has dragged Pakistan,” he said.

Babar Azam will next be in action when Pakistan takes on India on February 23 in Dubai.

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