PAK vs ENG: Basit Ali compares Babar Azam's popularity to Imran Khan, says Pakistan's obsession protects him

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali sparked the controversy with a bold comparison between Babar Azam and the 1992 World Cup-winning captain and legendary all-rounder Imran Khan. He noted that despite a string of lackluster performances, Babar remains the biggest name in Pakistan, and his every move is obsessively followed by fans and media as well.

The former Pakistan selector said that Babar’s every move is being followed by the fans and media, and he has always been in the headlines despite his longstanding struggle with the bat across the format. It led Ali to compare the white-ball captain’s popularity with the stardom of the former Prime Minister Imran.

Basit Ali sparks debate over Babar Azam's stardom despite poor form

Basit pointed out that Babar's inability to touch a 50-plus score in the last 16 Test innings and only 64 runs in four innings against Bangladesh is not that significant to the media and fans, raising questions about whether the star batter’s popularity has managed to overtake even his accountability.

Furthermore, the former cricketer said that every move of Babar is televised and his popularity is absolutely unmatched in Pakistan, but feels it can be dangerous to worship a player who is out of form. This extreme following has built an environment that protects Babar's failures.

However, Basit made comparisons with Imran in terms of charisma to take a dig at Babar for his larger-than-life image in Pakistan. Well, all eyes will be on the Pakistan skipper in the upcoming Champions One-Day Cup, where he is expected to represent the Stallions.

Every movement of his is on the television: Basit Ali on Babar Azam

Basit Ali said in a video on his YouTube channel: “Babar Azam hasn't been scoring runs. However, even if he is walking somewhere, the video of that is everywhere on the television. This is when he is out of form. It's Babar Azam on one side, and all the remaining players on the other side.

Every movement of his is on the television. He is the number one in Pakistan in terms of fan following. We have seen the same with Imran Khan. When Imran used to come into the ground, everyone would just chant for him. Now look at Babar Azam; the whole of Faisalabad is crazy for him.”

Notably, Azam will play for the Stallions in the Champions One-Day Cup in Pakistan. As a big surprise, Babar Azam had not been appointed as the captain of the Stallions, despite him being the captain of the Pakistan white-ball sides.

Not Babar Azam, Mohammad Haris will captain Stallions

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris would be leading the team while the former captain Shoaib Malik donned the role of the mentor for the Stallions in the Champions One-Day Cup.

The Champions One-Day Cup will be played in Faisalabad from September 12, and the Stallions will open their campaign against the Lions on September 13. Pakistan will next host England in a three-match Test series in October. They recently suffered whitewashing at the hands of Bangladesh in home tests.

It is being said that Pakistan’s international stars will receive the same fees as domestic cricketers for the Champions One-Day Cup, which is taking place outside the domestic cricket calendar.