After Pakistan lost to India by six wickets in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, former captain Mohammad Hafeez expressed concerns about Babar Azam's ability to perform well under pressure.
The defeat has risked Pakistan’s title defense, sparking debates over the team’s tactics and key players' performances. Fans and analysts have turned to platforms like the bpexch app to discuss and analyze the match, sharing insights and predictions about the team’s future in the tournament.
The Bat Struggles of Pakistan
Batting first, Pakistan posted a modest total of 241 runs before being bowled out in the final over. India could effortlessly chase the mark with 45 balls remaining as the team failed to accelerate despite some encouraging starts. Saud Shakeel was the top scorer for Pakistan with 62 runs, but the overall batting effort lacked effect against a disciplined Indian bowling attack.
Kohli’s Brilliance Leads India to Victory
Virat Kohli’s unbeaten 100 off 111 balls proved decisive in India’s run chase. He and Shreyas Iyer, who added 56 runs, formed an essential 114-run partnership. Their calm batting destroyed Pakistan's bowling attack, guaranteeing a straightforward victory. Thanks to their impressive performance, India is still on pace to win the championship.
"Babar Azam is Not the True King," Hafeez said.
Mohammad Hafeez publicly criticized Babar Azam's failure to perform in crucial encounters during a post-match TV show.
Virat Kohli is the real king, not Babar Azam. He has dominated all over the world, as evidenced by his performances. We must put actual performers first and end the PR gimmick," Hafeez said.
Hafeez drew attention to the sharp contrast between Babar's difficulties in crucial games and Kohli's game-winning performances. He underlined that although Kohli regularly outperforms elite teams, Babar has not yet produced a game-changing performance against India.
Comparison with Inzamam-ul-Haq
Hafeez also compared Babar Azam’s performances to former Pakistan great Inzamam-ul-Haq, noting that Babar has not replicated Inzamam’s ability to win crucial games.
Under challenging circumstances, Inzamam-ul-Haq used to win games for Pakistan. Hafeez drew attention to the fact that Babar Azam hadn't defeated India in a decade.
He emphasized that winning games is more important than simply scoring runs. In Hafeez's opinion, true brilliance is determined by how well a player performs under duress, something Babar hasn't yet shown.
Babar's Challenges in SENA Nations
Hafeez also criticized Babar’s lack of dominance in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia), where conditions are often more challenging for subcontinent players.
"In SENA countries, he [Babar] has not received any player of the series awards. "You should strive to be the player of the series; forget about winning or losing," Hafeez said.
According to the former skipper, world-class batters not only help their team win but also rule in unfamiliar environments—something Babar hasn't been able to accomplish regularly.
Demand a Shift in Pakistan's Strategy
Hafeez recommended that Pakistan reconsider its selection procedures and concentrate on players who are performing well in domestic cricket. He asked for a merit-based approach to team selection, ensuring that players who perform regularly in local competitions get opportunities at the international level.
"We must acknowledge these problems and be honest with him. Hafeez said that players who are excelling in domestic leagues should be promoted, and they will once again become heroes in the PSL.
India’s Dominant Bowling Display
India’s bowlers played a key role in restricting Pakistan to 241. Kuldeep Yadav was the star performer, taking three wickets and applying pressure on Pakistan’s middle order. The disciplined bowling attack ensured that Pakistan never gained the momentum needed for a competitive total.
What’s Next for Pakistan?
After this defeat, Pakistan will face a difficult tournament. To remain in the running for the knockout stage, the team needs to win its next games with confidence. Questions about Babar Azam’s captaincy and individual performances will continue to dominate discussions as Pakistan seeks redemption in the remaining fixtures.
Last Words
Mohammad Hafeez’s criticism of Babar Azam has rekindled concerns about Pakistan’s reliance on star players and their ability to perform in critical moments. Even if Babar is still one of the best batsmen in the world, his performance in important games, especially against India, is still concerning. With Pakistan’s future in the tournament hanging in the balance, the team must regroup and address their weaknesses to keep their title hopes alive.
