Babar Azam accused of blocking Azhar Ali’s 100-Test dream in sensational allegations

Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has sparked a new controversy by claiming that Babar Azam is behind Azhar Ali’s withdrawal. Basit claimed that Azhar wanted to reach the 100-Test milestone before retiring from Test cricket, but Babar wouldn’t let that happen.

Basit Ali went on to make some serious allegations against former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ehsan Mani and Babar Azam The former Test skipper either way.

Basit Ali claims Babar Azam forced Azhar Ali into Test retirement

The former Pakistan selector also claimed that it was Ehsan Mani’s idea to show Azhar Ali the gates, and Babar backed his idea, ending the former batsman’s dream of reaching the milestone of 100 tests. Notably, the former right-arm batsman retired from Test cricket after playing his last match against New Zealand in January 2018.

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Azhar ended his career with 7142 runs with the help of 19 hundreds and 35 fifties in 97 matches at an average of 42. He also represented Pakistan in 53 ODIs and scored 1845 runs. Now, he is a member of Pakistan’s senior men’s selection committee and currently serves as the head of youth development for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Basit Ali said in a video posted on his YouTube channel, “Azhar Ali wanted to play 100 Test matches but the then PCB chairman did not let him. Babar Azam was the captain at that time. Babar also did not support Azhar Ali in this decision. He retired because of it.” Ali last played for Pakistan in 2022.

Please don’t make Babar Azam a sacrificial goat – Basit Ali

While from “A sacrificial goat”.

The former Pakistan cricketer added: “Please don’t make Babar Azam a sacrificial goat. Everyone knows there will be two new balls and New Zealand has bowlers who go over 145 km/h. Pakistan’s first match it’s against New Zealand. God forbid, if Babar gets out there, everyone’s breath will stop and the people in the stadium will be stunned.”

Moreover, Basit also suggested to pick the specialist openers, as if both Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman are not produced, then it will be injustice to the entire Pakistan.

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Pakistan need to select a backup opener for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

He signed off by saying, “God forbid, if Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman don’t score, who will open? Always go for specialists in big events. You will have to keep an opener; otherwise, it will be an injustice to Pakistan.” “

Notably, Pakistan is the only team yet to announce the squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, where they will enter as the defending champions. They will begin their campaign against New Zealand in Karachi on February 19.