Ahmed Shehzad blames Babar Azam for Pakistan’s poor Champions Trophy start

Pakistan cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has harshly criticized Babar Azam, blaming him for Pakistan’s poor performance in their opening match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Shehzad accused Babar of failing to step up when the team needed him most, especially after his slow half-century contributed to Pakistan’s crushing 60-run loss against New Zealand in Karachi.  

Facing New Zealand at the National Bank Stadium on February 19, the Men in Green struggled in both batting and bowling. Babar Azam, who scored 64 off 90 balls, faced heavy criticism for his slow approach, which played a key role in Pakistan’s batting collapse.  

Speaking on a local news channel, Ahmed Shehzad pointed out that Babar Azam was under tremendous pressure but failed to handle it properly. He revealed that Babar played 52 dot balls out of Pakistan’s 60 dot balls in the first 13 overs, which left the team in a difficult position.  

"He was extremely under pressure," Shehzad said.  

"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 in Babar. He was given a free hand as a captain for four and five years."  

"You have played 52 dot balls. In the first 13 overs, Pakistan has played 60 dot balls. You lost the game there only," Shehzad added.   

Ahmed Shehzad didn’t hold back while criticizing Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s partnership. He called their approach "schoolboy stuff", pointing out that they added just 14 runs off 38 balls while chasing a huge target of 321.  

"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 said.   

Shehzad also questioned Babar’s consistency, claiming that he has not delivered strong performances in the last two to three years. He highlighted that Babar was once dominant in ODIs but is now struggling.  

"For the past two to three years, he has not performed. In T20s, 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 in 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," Shehzad added.    

With the opening defeat, Pakistan now faces a do-or-die situation. Their next match is a high-pressure must-win encounter against India at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, February 23. If they fail to win, their chances of defending their Champions Trophy title will be all but over.