Babar Azam's comparison with Virat Kohli taken down brutally by ex-Pakistan star

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria claimed that Babar Azam is not even close to Virat Kohli in terms of performances on the cricket field.

Kaneria felt that people should look at their stats before comparing the two modern-day greats.

Virat Kohli and Babar Azam are often compared with each other given their huge fan following in their respective countries, India and Pakistan respectively.

While Kohli is way ahead of Babar in terms of runs and centuries in all formats, Babar seemed to catch up by scoring some big runs.

However, the Pakistan star's sudden dip in form in the past two years hasn't helped his cause. In the last two ICC tournaments, the ODI World Cup 2023 and T20 World Cup 2024, his disappointing returns with the bat have severely affected Pakistan's performances.

Also read: Shoaib Malik reveals rejecting Mohsin Naqvi’s offer for major role in Pakistan before T20 WC

Danish Kaneria breaks silence on the comparison between Virat Kohli and Babar Azam

During a conversation with Sports Tak, Danish Kaneria lashed out at people for comparing Babar Azam with Virat Kohli. During the chat, Kaneria claimed that Kohli has scored runs all around the world and is way ahead of Babar Azam.

“Who is comparing them? I am tired of hearing that people compare them. When you’re talking about comparing, look at the runs Virat has scored. He has scored runs all around the world. He is a massive player,” Kaneria said.

The former Pakistan legspinner further mentioned that there is a huge difference between the stature of both the players and Babar Azam does not even come close to Virat Kohli. He also advised people to look at the stats of both the players.

“Look at his stature, when he walks onto the field, his aura itself is different and he (Babar) does not come close, forget comparing them. All that is created by the channels to sell their product. I have had a lot of questions comparing them, but I have never done it. Look at the stats. When both of them retire, do take a look at the stats,” he added.

Recently, Babar Azam registered two low scores in the first Test match of the two-match Test series against Bangladesh.

Babar scored 0 and 22 across both the innings. His poor performance cost Pakistan as the Men in Green lost their first Test to Bangladesh ever.

Danish Kaneria does not want India to travel for the Champions Trophy

Danish Kaneria also shared his views on India's travel to Pakistan for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Surprisingly, he advised Team India not to travel to Pakistan and claimed that the tournament could be held in a hybrid model.

"Looking at the situation in Pakistan, I have to say that the Indian team should not go to Pakistan, and Pakistan should think about it, and then the ICC will make its decision, and most likely, it will be a hybrid model, it will be played in Dubai," Kaneria stated.

"The media gets hype, everyone's videos get likes because the big manjan is good so it will sell. So I think this is a reality and it will definitely be a hybrid model," he added.

The Champions Trophy 2025 will be played during February-March next year and is scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan. However, there is a huge danger over the tournament as India is expected not to travel to Pakistan due to security concerns.

If India refuses to travel to Pakistan, the International Cricket Council (ICC) is likely to look for an alternate venue to host the tournament in a hybrid model.