Pakistan's disappointing ICC Champions Trophy campaign concluded on a somber note. The tournament hosts ended without a victory, as their final group match against Bangladesh was abandoned due to rain in Rawalpindi. Marking their first ICC tournament in three decades, Pakistan failed to make a significant impact, with a lackluster defeat in the highly anticipated match against India sealing their fate.

Among those facing criticism for this disappointing performance is star batsman Babar Azam, who struggled against New Zealand and could not capitalize on a promising start against India. His ongoing poor form in international cricket has led many within the Pakistani cricket community to attribute the team's overall failures to him.

Nevertheless, former Pakistan captain Salman Butt emerged as one of the few voices defending Babar, urging fans to support him during this challenging period.

In an interview with GNN HD News, Butt stated: “His Test average stands at 44.5, with 9 centuries and 26 fifties. In One Day Internationals, he boasts an average of 56.72, including 19 centuries and 32 half-centuries. In T20Is, his average is 41, with a strike rate of 129. Can anyone point out if these statistics have been surpassed by any single player in Pakistan over the past 20 years?”

The individuals asserting their status as match-winners should be evaluated collectively to assess their contributions to match victories, as noted by Butt. He emphasized the need for a comparative analysis, particularly after Pakistan's team faced significant criticism following the evident disparity in quality between their squad and that of India during the match in Dubai.

‘Babar Azam is no Virat Kohli…: Salman Butt’

"But Babar Azam is not on par with Virat Kohli," Butt remarked. "It is essential to be realistic. We lack a player of Kohli's caliber or a Williamson. However, Babar remains our finest option." He further stated, "When he is not performing, he requires support. Conversely, when he is in form, even those who may not favor him must acknowledge his achievements."

Babar managed to score 23 runs against India but was dismissed after an ill-advised shot at a wide delivery from Hardik Pandya. In contrast, Virat Kohli secured a match-winning century. Nevertheless, Butt believes it is crucial to continue supporting Babar, highlighting the importance of a strong supporting cast.

"But even Kohli experienced a decline in form; however, his exceptional talent allowed him to consistently score fifties during that period," Butt explained. "Who supported him? Players like Rohit Sharma and MS Dhoni are true match-winners. Who does Babar have?"

The cancellation of the match left Pakistan without the chance to redeem themselves in this tournament. Consequently, the team now faces numerous inquiries regarding its future following this unsatisfactory performance in a home event.

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