"Virat Kohli was told ‘you’re not…’": Babar Azam verbally assaulted by ex-Pakistan star

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali criticized Babar Azam for agreeing to bat at number four during the recently concluded ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Ali stated that the star player should have revolted against head coach Mike Hesson and drew a comparison with Indian batter Virat Kohli retiring from Test cricket.

Babar was demoted in the batting order during the recent tournament. He started at No. 4 in the tournament. The Pakistan team management dropped him for the Super 8 match against Sri Lanka. Notably, the batter did not get a chance to bat against Namibia, as all-rounders were promoted ahead of him.

Babar Azam Should Not Have Accepted The Decision To Bat At No. 4 - Basit Ali

Speaking on the ‘Game Plan’ show, Basit Ali said that Babar Azam lacked the courage to challenge the Pakistan team management. He cited Virat Kohli stepping away from Test cricket as an example of great players dictating their own career terms.

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“Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman don't have a voice. How come they agreed to bat in the middle order? I just have one example. Virat Kohli was not made the captain, he said, ‘Okay bye’. Virat Kohli. He took the retirement; he should have been made the captain for the England series," Basit said.

"He was told that you are not in our scheme of things as far as captaincy goes. He said, ‘Okay, tata, bye-bye.’ He doesn't have a shortage of money. Babar should not have accepted the decision to bat at No. 4. If I were his close aide, I would have told him to refuse. You just threw him under the bus,”

You Will Be Thrown Into the Sidelines - Kamran Akmal

Former wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal said that out-of-form players like Babar Azam cannot challenge the Pakistan team management. He noted that only legendary players like Younis Khan had the authority to make such demands without facing severe consequences.

“No player dares to go against the team management. I have just seen Younis Khan being adamant about his position. As a player, you just cannot say that. You will be thrown into the sidelines if you say such things," Akmal said.

"When the form is not there, no player says such things. Before the Champions Trophy, his form was not there. He had left the captaincy. Big players even agree to such things. The form is very important. When form is not there, a batter would even agree to bat at No. 8,” he added.

Babar Azam Faces Criticism Amid Poor Form

Babar Azam is currently facing criticism from fans and cricket experts. Some claim that he created an exclusive inner circle during his captaincy to serve personal interests over the team. These allegations have damaged his reputation.

Babar appears exhausted by constant criticism on social media. The ongoing negativity around his international career has added pressure, especially after his recent batting struggles.

The chances of a strong comeback remain uncertain right now. He may still receive opportunities because Pakistan lacks strong alternatives. However, many cricket fans feel it is unfortunate to see such a talented player struggle.

Also read: 'I was broken': Sanju Samson exposes Gautam Gambhir’s ‘mental torture’ during T20 World Cup 2026