Babar is holding the top spot in the ODI batting rankings despite not playing a 50-over match since November 2023.
Basit’s comment came after Pakistan skipper Babar Azam retained his top spot in the updated ODI rankings for batters despite not playing a 50-over match since November 2023.
He also pointed out that India’s rising star Shubman Gill, who struggled for runs in the recently held ODI series against Sri Lanka, still occupies the third position in the rankings.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Basit Ali slammed the ICC’s ranking system while also suggesting that it might be a tactic to keep Babar happy.
"When I saw the ICC ranking (for ODI batters), Babar Azam was at the top, number two was Rohit Sharma, number three was Shubman Gill, and then there was Virat Kohli at number four. I did not find it necessary to read the remaining names because I couldn't see Travis Head and Rachin Ravindra. I think the ICC wants that Babar doesn't perform. He would be happy with being the number one-ranked batter in ODIs. Who gives these rankings? On what basis are Babar Azam and Shubman Gill there?" Basit said.
Basit Ali further expressed his surprise to notice the absence of standout World Cup performers in the rankings chart.
He highlighted that batters like Rachin Ravindra, Quinton de Kock, Travis Head made significant contributions during the 2023 World Cup, hitting multiple centuries each. Even Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman managed to notch up a hundred each.
"Babar's last ODI was at the last year's World Cup. We saw the likes of Rachin Ravindra, Quinton de Kock, Travis Head and Virat Kohli at the World Cup. They scored three-four hundreds in the tournament. For Pakistan, Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman scored a century each. What kind of ranking do they give?" he remarked.