Babar Azam was largely ineffective vs New Zealand. (AP Photo)Anjum Naveed

Babar Azam plays for himself, focusses on stats under pressure: Ex-Pakistan spinner

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has claimed that Babar Azam plays for himself and focusses on stats when he is playing under pressure. Babar was heavily criticised for his slow batting in the first match against New Zealand.

by · India Today

In Short

  • Babar scored 64 off 90 balls against New Zealand
  • Kaneria questioned Babar's intent during the run-chase
  • The former spinner feels the hype around India vs Pakistan is less

Former Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria has slammed Babar Azam claiming that the star batter plays for himself and under pressure focusses on his stats and ICC ranking intact. Babar received heavy criticism for his slow batting as Pakistan were chasing 321 runs to win against New Zealand in the opening match of the Champions Trophy 2025. Babar ended up scoring 64 off 90 deliveries as Pakistan lost the match in the end by 60 runs.

Babar was heavily criticised by the pundits after the game and Kaneria is the latest to chime in. The former spinner questioned the star batter's intent during the chase and felt that he was content with getting a fifty.

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"If we talk about Babar Azam, he is playing for himself. When he is under pressure, he focusses on keeping his stats and ICC ranking intact," Kaneria told PTI Video.

"I have scored a fifty, I have done it. But where is the intent of winning the match for your side?", Kaneria questioned.

Kaneria went on to praise Salman Agha and Khushdil Shah for their knocks during the match against New Zealand and claimed they ensured that Pakistan didn't lose by a heavy margin in the end. The former spinner said that players need to put their country first and show a little intent in matches, which Babar was unable to do against New Zealand.

"Salman Ali Agha and Khushdil Shah played great knocks, if those two boys hadn't scored quickly, then Pakistan would have lost by 100 runs, instead of losing by 60 runs.

"If you play, play for the country, the country comes first. Show a little intent...But unfortunately, Babar couldn't do that", he said.

'Don't think there is much hype for India vs Pakistan'

Speaking about the India vs Pakistan game, Kaneria feels that there isn't much hype this time due to the contrasting form of both teams. India are on a 4-match winning streak while Pakistan lost their last 2 games.

"The scenario is crystal clear. I don't think there is much hype this time because Pakistan is not playing good cricket. India are playing excellent cricket," Kaneria said.

Pakistan do hold an edge over India when it comes to head-to-head stats in the Champions Trophy.