Basit Ali Slams ‘Professors’ For Backing Babar Azam As Opener After Pakistan’s Loss To New Zealand

March 30, 2025: Former cricketer and coach Basit Ali launched a scathing critique following Pakistan’s shocking defeat to an inexperienced New Zealand side in the first ODI in Napier. After a dominant phase in world cricket, including titles like the Asian Giants and becoming a global powerhouse, Pakistan’s cricketing stature seems to have sharply declined. The team has struggled to regain its former glory, and the defeat to New Zealand only further highlighted the issues within the team.

Despite being handed a target of 345 runs, Pakistan looked to be in control at 249/4, but a sudden collapse, spurred by the dismissal of their star batter Babar Azam (78), saw them lose the plot completely. Babar’s wicket, where he pulled a delivery straight into the hands of Daryl Mitchell, was a turning point. After his dismissal, the middle order crumbled and Pakistan’s chase faltered, ultimately surrendering to a 73-run defeat.

Basit Ali was quick to voice his frustrations and questioned the decision of having Babar Azam bat at number three, instead of his usual opening position, especially given his previous struggles in the Champions Trophy. “Why did Babar play at number three? He came to open in the Champions Trophy. Where are those professors who said he should open? They should apologise to the nation,” Basit said on his YouTube channel. He went on to suggest that those who had advocated for this batting change should be held accountable for Pakistan’s performance.

Ali also pointed fingers at the overall decline in Pakistan cricket, suggesting that the person responsible for the current mess was the one who turned Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan into openers, a move that he believes has backfired. “The person who made Babar and Rizwan openers is responsible for destroying Pakistan cricket,” Basit stated.

With Pakistan trailing 1-0 in the three-match series, they will have one more opportunity to stay alive in the series when they face New Zealand in the second ODI in Hamilton. The team’s performance in the upcoming match will be crucial if they hope to salvage any momentum from the series and address the issues highlighted by Basit Ali.