Former Pakistan cricketer Basit Ali has raised concerns over the recent ICC ODI rankings, particularly questioning how Babar Azam retained his position as the top-ranked batter despite not playing any ODIs since November 2023. Babar's position at the top of the rankings has drawn attention, especially as it places him ahead of in-form Indian batters Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill, and Virat Kohli.

Basit, speaking on his YouTube channel, expressed his skepticism about the credibility of the ICC’s ranking system. He suggested that the rankings might be counterproductive to Babar's performance, implying that the ICC could be keeping him at the top to prevent him from pushing himself further.

"When I saw the ICC ranking (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 questioned.

He also highlighted the absence of key performers like Australia's Travis Head and New Zealand's Rachin Ravindra, both of whom delivered outstanding performances during the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup. According to Basit, their omission from the top rankings raises doubts about the criteria used by the ICC.

"During the World Cup, we saw exceptional performances from players like Rachin Ravindra, Quinton de Kock, Travis Head, and even Virat Kohli, who scored multiple centuries. On the other hand, Babar's last ODI was at the World Cup, and he hasn't played since then. It’s puzzling how he still holds the top spot," he added.

In contrast, India's Rohit Sharma made significant strides in the rankings, climbing to the second spot after an impressive showing in the recent ODI series against Sri Lanka. Rohit ended the series as the top scorer with 157 runs, including two half-centuries, at an average of 52.33 and a strike rate of 141.44.