Babar Azam accused of blocking Azhar Ali's 100-Test dream in sensational allegations

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has sparked fresh controversy by claiming Babar Azam is behind the retirement of Azhar Ali. Basit further claimed that Azhar wanted to reach the 100-Test milestone before retiring from Test cricket, but Babar didn’t let that happen.

Basit Ali further went on to make some serious allegations against the former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ehsan Mani and Babar Azam, saying the duo forced Azhar Ali to retire from the longest format of the game without fulfilling his dream as they were not supporting the former Test skipper in any way.

Basit Ali claims Babar Azam forced Azhar Ali into Test retirement

The former Pakistan selector also claimed that it was Ehsan Mani’s idea to show doors to Azhar Ali, and Babar backed his idea, which ended the former batter’s dream of reaching the 100-Test milestone. Notably, the former right-handed batter retired from Test cricket after playing his last game against New Zealand in January 2018.

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Azhar finished his career with 7142 runs with the help of 19 hundreds and 35 fifties in 97 matches at an average of 42. He also represented Pakistan in 53 ODIs and scored 1845 runs. Now, he is a member of Pakistan's senior men's selection committee, and he is currently serving as the head of youth development at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Basit Ali said in a video posted on his YouTube channel: “Azhar Ali wanted to play 100 Test matches, but the then PCB chairman didn't let him. Babar Azam was the captain at that time. Babar also didn't support Azhar Ali in that decision. He took retirement because of that.” Notably, Ali last played for Pakistan in 2022.

Please don't make Babar Azam a sacrificial goat: Basit Ali

Meanwhile, it is being said that Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman are all set to open for the Men in Green in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025. However, Basit Ali is against this idea, urging the decision-makers not to make the star batter “a sacrificial goat.”

The former Pakistani cricketer added, “Please don't make Babar Azam a sacrificial goat. Everyone knows that there will be two new balls, and New Zealand has bowlers who bowl over 145 kph. Pakistan's very first match is against New Zealand. God forbid, if Babar gets out there, then everyone's breath will stop, and the crowd in the stadium will be stunned.”

Furthermore, Basit also suggested picking the specialists openers, as if both Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman fail to deliver, then it will be injustice to the entire Pakistan.

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Pakistan needs to select a backup opener for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

He signed off by saying, “God forbid, if Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman don't score runs, who is going to open? Always go for specialists in big events. You will have to keep an opener; otherwise, it will be an injustice to Pakistan.”

Notably, Pakistan is the only team that has not yet announced the squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where they will be entering as the defending champions. They will kick off their campaign against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi.