Basit Ali Criticizes Mohammad Haris’s Comments on Babar Azam

Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali has strongly condemned young wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Haris after his remarks regarding Babar Azam’s T20 cricket strategy.

In a recent interview on a local online platform, Haris implied that Babar should increase his scoring rate in T20 matches. He also proposed that senior players should consider stepping aside to allow younger players more opportunities.

Haris stated, “Undoubtedly, Babar and Rizwan have contributed significantly to Pakistan’s success, but to establish a higher standard, it’s important to provide chances to emerging talents.” He also added, “Babar Azam needs to accelerate his T20 game.”

During a discussion with former Pakistan wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal on a digital channel, Basit voiced his disapproval of Haris’s opinions.

“If Mohammad Haris suggests Babar Azam needs to improve, I believe Haris deserves a reprimand. Who is Haris to criticize Babar Azam?” Basit questioned.

He also raised questions about Haris’s motives, asking, “Now that the captain has been replaced, would Haris have expressed the same views if Babar Azam was still the captain?”

Basit wasn’t alone in his reaction. Former Pakistani fast bowler Tanveer Ahmed also rebuked Haris, urging him to focus on his personal development before making statements about senior players.

Tanveer stated, “Mohammad Haris, what makes you think you are qualified to comment on Babar Azam’s strike rate? First, prove your own worth, then offer opinions about a world-class player.”

Notably, from 2019 to 2023, Babar and Mohammad Rizwan were crucial to Pakistan’s T20I batting lineup, amassing 3,300 runs at an average of 46.47, which is the most successful partnership in the format.

Babar Azam is recognized as a leading figure in the shorter game, both internationally and in domestic cricket.

He has played 128 matches for Pakistan, amassing 4,223 runs with 34 half-centuries and three centuries at a 39.83 average and a 129.22 strike rate, positioning him as the second-highest run-scorer in T20I history.

The controversy grew after Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the 2024 T20 World Cup, where the team was eliminated in the group stage after a surprising loss to the USA.

Since that time, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has chosen to move forward without the established pair. Their most recent T20I appearance was on December 13, 2024, and neither has participated in the format in 2025.