Pakistan’s heavy 194-run defeat to England at Lord’s has triggered sharp reactions from former cricketers, with former batsman Basit Ali launching a scathing attack on national star Babar Azam.

Chasing an imposing target of 389, the visitors capitulated under intense pressure from the English pace attack. Babar managed scores of just 8 and 6 across the two innings, failing to anchor the batting lineup when his side needed stability most. Having returned to the side at roughly ninety percent fitness following a hand injury, the former captain’s low scores compounded a miserable outing for the tourists as they surrendered an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series with a match to spare.

Speaking on his digital show ‘The Game Plan’, Basit questioned the criteria used to define greatness in modern cricket. Comparing Babar unfavourably to past Pakistani legends such as Majid Khan, Zaheer Abbas, Javed Miandad, Inzamam-ul-Hk, Younis Khan, and Saeed Anwar, the outspoken former player argued that true icons deliver when the team faces crisis. He challenged whether such status exists purely on social media platforms and popularity charts rather than on the pitch.

Statistics underline the prolonged slump in the longest format. Babar has not reached three figures in Test cricket since his 161-run knock against New Zealand in Karachi back in December 2022. Over his last sixteen Test appearances, his average has slipped to 30.53, dragging his overall career average down to 43. Expressing deep frustration, Basit remarked that waiting years for a century is unacceptable for a player carrying the nation’s batting expectations.

Criticism extended beyond the former skipper to other senior members of the squad. Saud Shakeel offered the primary resistance during the second innings, notching a battling 97 before falling to a short delivery from Josh Tongue while trying to accelerate. Basit expressed displeasure at the manner of the dismissal, pointing out that five fielders were stationed in catching positions for that exact shot. Wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan also faced sharp reprimand for a loose stroke that resulted in a dismissal for just 1 stray run, with Basit questioning whether the batter understood the demands of Test match cricket.

The touring side now faces a quick turnaround ahead of the third and final Test, which gets underway at Edgbaston on 9 September.