{
  "id": 4636389,
  "title": "‘Social media player’: Ex-Pakistan cricketer brutally tears into Babar Azam",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/31/social-media-player-ex-pakistan-cricketer-brutally-tears-into-babar",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-31T08:03:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Times of India",
    "slug": "times-of-india",
    "url": "https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/cricket/news/social-media-player-ex-pakistan-cricketer-brutally-tears-into-babar-azam-after-lords-horror-show/articleshow/133645981.cms"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has harshly criticized Babar Azam following the team's 194-run defeat to England in the second Test at Lord's. Pakistan suffered a 2-0 series loss, with their batting once again faltering under pressure. Babar Azam scored just six runs in the second innings after nine in the first, while Pakistan collapsed to 194 all out. Basit compared Babar to legendary Pakistani batters, questioning whether he has contributed enough when Pakistan needed him most. He also expressed frustration at Babar's early dismissal, stating that the captain should not get out by hitting a simple shot when the entire team depends on him. Basit was equally critical of Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan, both of whom failed to reach a century despite contributing early in the chase. Pakistan's batting struggles were evident from the start, with key wickets falling early, including Azam Awais and Abdullah Shafique. England's bowlers dominated the final innings, as Pakistan were dismissed for 194, leaving them 2-0 down in the series. The third and final Test is scheduled to be played at Edgbaston in Birmingham on September 9.",
  "summary": "Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali strongly criticized captain Babar Azam following another batting failure. Azam's recent Test performances and lack of centuries drew significant criticism from Ali. Ali questioned Azam's contribution during difficult match situations for the team. Other Pakistan batters, including Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan, also faced Ali's sharp critique. Pakistan suffered…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}