Lahore, Feb. 2 -- Former cricketer Basit Ali believes Pakistan's top batting star Babar Azam's position in the team will remain unaffected even if he fails to deliver in the upcoming Champions Trophy.

The Champions Trophy is 17 days away from commencing in Karachi, with the defending champions, Pakistan, taking on New Zealand in the tournament opener on February 19.

With Saim Ayub ruled out of the marquee event due to an injury, Fakhar Zaman's opening partner is being speculated widely.

During the squad announcement on Friday, national selector Asad Shafiq admitted that Babar and Saud Shakeel stand in contention to open alongside Fakhar.

Basit hopes that Babar delivers for the defending champions in the tournament. But he quickly poin...