"Babar Azam has dragged Pakistan" - Ahmed Shehzad levels sensational allegations

Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has slammed Babar Azam for failing to deliver when the team needed him the most. Ahmed Shehzad stated that Babar let the nation down with his slow half-century as they suffered a crushing 60-run defeat against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy 2025 opener.

Pakistan hosted an ICC event for the first time in 29 years. However, they struggled with both bat and ball against New Zealand at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on February 19. Babar Azam, who scored 64 runs off 90 balls, struggled with the bat, which was a key concern in Pakistan’s batting woes.

Babar Azam Was Extremely Under Pressure - Ahmed Shehzad

Speaking on the Geo News show Haarna Mana Hay, Ahmed Shehzad stated that Babar Azam was under immense pressure. Shehzad emphasized that Babar played 52 dot balls out of Pakistan's 60 dot balls in the first 13 overs, which was the turning point in their defeat.

"He was extremely under pressure,” Shehzad said on the Geo News show 'Haarna Mana Hay.'

“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,” he said.

“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.

This Is Schoolboy Stuff - Ahmed Shehzad

Ahmed Shehzad called Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan's approach "schoolboy stuff." He pointed out that as senior players, they managed only 14 runs off 38 balls, missing the opportunity to capitalize on the new ball when scoring was easier.

“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.”

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

Shehzad further stated that Babar has been underperforming for the past two to three years. The 33-year-old noted that Babar once dominated the ODI format but is now struggling. He stated that Babar's slow innings hurt Pakistan’s chances 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.

Pakistan's loss to New Zealand has put them in a do-or-die situation. They will take on arch-rivals India in a must-win clash at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, February 23.

Also read: Shoaib Malik tears apart Babar Azam for his sedate half-century in Champions Trophy 2025 opener