Tag: Babar Azam

LAHORE: Peshawar Zalmi Team Director Inzamam-ul-Haq revealed that skipper Babar Azam himself chose to bat at the one-down position.

Opting to bat first,  Islamabad United posted 143 for the loss of nine wickets in their allocated 20 overs.

Peshawar Zalmi successfully chased a target of 144 runs, completing the match in just 16.4 overs with six wickets remaining and 20 balls to spare here at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

While speaking in the post-match press conference, Inzamam backed young talent Maaz Sadaqat and reaffirming support for skipper Babar Azam’s batting position.

“Firstly, Babar is a World Cup-class player, and we did not change his batting order.”

“He is our captain, so he himself realised that he should play one-down and send Mitchell Owen as an opener due to power hitting.”

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He also emphasised Babar Azam’s strike rate, stating that if he improves, it will benefit Pakistan.

“Improving his strike rate will benefit both Pakistan and Peshawar Zalmi,” he said.

He acknowledged Zalmi’s slow start to the tournament, lamenting defeats in the opening matches.

“Had we played the initial matches better, we wouldn’t be in this position,” he said.

Inzamam was full of praise for youngster Maaz Sadaqat, who impressed with the bat.

“Maaz played a brilliant innings today. His temperament stood out — that’s a key quality in T20 cricket,” he observed.

“Things can get delayed at times, but Maaz got his opportunity at the right moment — and he made the most of it,” Inzamam added.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Commenting on the nature of T20S, he said, “It’s a fast format. You have to take chances — that’s how this game works.”

Regarding Pacer Ihsanullah’s inclusion, Inzamam-ul-Haq said that he will get his chances in the upcoming matches.

“He was in discussion for today’s match. Hopefully, he’ll get his chance in the coming games,” he concluded.

READ: PSL 10: Babar, Maaz star as Peshawar Zalmi thump Islamabad United

Former Pakistan captain and current Peshawar Zalmi skipper Babar Azam has weighed in on the ongoing speculation surrounding his future in the national T20I setup.

In an exclusive interview with a local news channel, the stylish right-hander addressed questions regarding his place in the national side, especially in the shortest format.

“Only the selectors and coaches can answer what they’re thinking about my T20 career,” Babar stated. “My job is to perform, whether it’s in T20Is, ODIs, or Tests. Selection is not in my control. As long as Allah wills, I will continue to play.”

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Babar revealed that the team management had communicated to him and wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan that they were being rested from recent T20Is.

“We were informed that we were being rested from T20Is, now let’s see what they decide,” he added, leaving the door open for a possible return.

Babar Azam also reflected on his own performances and the expectations of fans, acknowledging that he hasn’t always lived up to the hopes of those who want to see him bat deep into innings.

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“People want to see me stay longer at the crease. Their expectations of me are high,” Babar admitted. “I do enjoy even my short innings, but I haven’t been able to play long ones as per their expectations.”

However, Babar was quick to emphasise the importance of learning from mistakes and maintaining focus.

“I make mistakes and try to correct them the next time, but then a new mistake happens. That’s how it goes in cricket. What matters most is how focused you are, and I am still very focused,” he added.

READ: Islamabad United rope in THIS power-hitter to bolster batting unit

Pakistan’s T20I captain and Islamabad United all-rounder Salman Ali Agha has opened up about his long-standing friendship with star batter Babar Azam, a bond that goes back to their school cricket days.

In a candid conversation with a local sports outlet, Salman shared that his journey with Babar started well before the spotlight.

“Babar Azam and I used to play cricket together at the school level. He played for Muslim Model School and I used to represent Central Model School,” he said.

“Our teams used to play matches against each other, and that’s where our friendship began.”

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From competing in inter-school matches to sharing the same dressing room for Pakistan, the duo has grown together in cricket.

“Later on, we played together in the Under-16 and Under-19. I’ve known Babar for a long time,” Salman Ali Agha added.

The 31-year-old also talked about his strong off-field equation with several national teammates, adding that many of them share a genuine friendship beyond cricket.

“I’m also friends with Shadab Khan, Saud Shakeel, Abdullah Shafique, and Saim Ayub. We often go out to eat together,” he revealed.

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Salman Ali Agha also praised Shadab for his captaincy, calling him one of the finest leaders in the Pakistan Super League.

“In the last five to six years, Shadab Khan has captained Islamabad United in a magnificent way. If you look at his record, it is quite impressive,” he said.

He credited Shadab’s ability to stay calm and make key calls during crunch situations.

“He makes effective decisions during pressure situations, which benefit the team,” Salman noted. “Right now, in PSL, he is one of Pakistan’s best captains.”

READ: Here’s how Multan Sultans can still make the PSL 10 playoffs

Former New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has recently commented on the ongoing criticism surrounding the strike rates of Pakistan’s top-order batters, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, particularly in T20 cricket.

Both Babar and Rizwan have often come under scrutiny for their relatively low strike rates during the early stages of their innings.

However, Williamson, known for his calm and measured approach to batting, offered a balanced perspective on the issue, stressing the importance of understanding one’s role within the team.

In an exclusive interview with a local sports outlet, Williamson explained that T20 cricket is all about adapting to what the team needs to win, rather than focusing solely on personal strike rates.

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“It’s all about what the team requires and trying to win games for your team,” he said.

Drawing from his own experiences in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where team strategies and pitch conditions can vary significantly, Kane Williamson highlighted the adaptability needed in T20 cricket.

“As we’ve seen in the PSL, we’ve seen scores of 230, but we’ve also seen scores around 140 and 130. You have to be adaptable, and whoever you are, your role for the team is to contribute to the best performance possible,” he added.

“Sometimes it’s about scoring quickly, and other times it’s about steady accumulation — as long as it’s aimed at helping your team win.”

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The Kiwi batter also praised Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam, expressing his admiration for the elegant right-hander.

“I’ve only been here for a couple of days, so I’m still enjoying watching everybody play. But having faced Pakistan frequently over the years, I’ve always enjoyed watching Babar bat,” Williamson said.

“He’s an amazing player, and a beautiful player to watch,” he continued. “He’s one that I’ve always enjoyed,” Williamson added, highlighting the respect he has for Babar’s technical skills and overall composure at the crease.

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LAHORE: Quetta Gladiators fast bowler Mohammad Amir reflected on dismissing Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam during the 17th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.

Mohammad Amir got the better of Babar Azam twice in PSL 10, dismissing him for scores of 12 runs and zero.

Following Babar’s early dismissal, Peshawar Zalmi struggled to gain momentum in their chase of 179-run target set by Quetta Gladiators.

Peshawar Zalmi crumbled under pressure, getting bowled out for just 114 in 15.2 overs — suffering their fourth defeat of the season.

Peshawar Zalmi’s chase began on a shaky note as they lost their top three batters inside the powerplay. Saim Ayub (5) was the first to be dismissed in the second over, with the score at 17.

Babar Azam (12) fell to Mohammad Amir in the third over, while Tom Kohler-Cadmore (5) was castled by Mohammad Wasim Jr., leaving Zalmi reeling at 33 in 4.3 overs.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Mohammad Haris on the other end showed some resistance with his 16 off 17 balls, with the help of a four and a six, but he removed too before the halfway mark. The rest of the Zalmi batting lineup failed to recover, and the team was eventually bundled out.

While speaking in a post-match press conference, Mohammad Amir addressed the buzz surrounding his on-field rivalry with Babar Azam.

He emphasized that such rivalries add entertainment to the tournament and are a natural part of competitive cricket.

“Whether on the field or social media, these rivalries entertain people, especially in T20s—that’s the main goal,” he said.

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“As a bowler, my role is to tease the batter and show aggression, while the batter aims to score runs. These things should happen, but within limits. My fans post my videos, Babar’s fans post his. It’s all great for the tournament,” he added.

He also praised Babar’s batting prowess and shared his strategy for dismissing him.

“Babar Azam is a big player, there is no doubt in that. My plan is always to utilize the swing with the new ball. Whoever it is, Saim or Babar. I thought Babar would be ready for the outswinger, so I tried to bring it back in,” he concluded.

READ: ‘We weren’t up to mark’: Babar Azam reflects on loss against Quetta Gladiators

LAHORE: Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam lamented the poor execution in bowling and batting following the crushing defeat against Quetta Gladiators in the 17th match of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 here at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.

Chasing a challenging total of 179, Peshawar Zalmi crumbled under pressure, getting bowled out for just 114 in 15.2 overs.

Peshawar Zalmi’s chase began on a shaky note as they lost their top three batters inside the powerplay. Saim Ayub (5) was the first to be dismissed in the second over, with the score at 17.

Babar Azam (12) fell to Mohammad Amir in the third over, while Tom Kohler-Cadmore (5) was castled by Mohammad Wasim Jr., leaving Zalmi reeling at 33 in 4.3 overs.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

Mohammad Haris on the other end showed some resistance with his 16 off 17 balls, with the help of a four and a six, but he removed too before the halfway mark.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

At one stage, Zalmi were reeling at 81-7 in the 10th over before Hussain Talat’s determined innings helped them cross the 100-run mark. He remained the top scorer with 39 off 34 balls, featuring two sixes and four fours.

Eventually, the whole team was bundled out on the second ball of the 15th over, marking Peshawar Zalmi’s fourth defeat in six matches.

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While speaking in the post-match presentation, Babar Azam highlighted the shortcomings in batting and bowling while aiming to correct the mistakes for upcoming matches.

“I think we weren’t quite up to the mark in both batting and bowling,” said Babar.

“We failed to execute our plans as we should have. We’ll sit down, analyze what went wrong, and make sure we don’t repeat the same mistakes moving forward,” Babar Azam concluded.

READ: PSL 10: Faheem dazzles with five-for as Quetta Gladiators crush Peshawar Zalmi

Legendary West Indies cricketer and Quetta Gladiators mentor Sir Vivian Richards has weighed in on the ongoing debate around Babar Azam being called “King,” backing the former Pakistan captain despite his recent dip in form.

While Babar Azam was once seen as the gold standard for emerging Pakistani batters, his current run has left fans and critics questioning the crown.

Since his 151 against Nepal in August 2023, Babar has failed to score a century across formats in international cricket.

The struggles have extended into the ongoing PSL 10, where he’s managed just 49 runs from four matches.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

But Sir Vivian Richards, in an exclusive chat with a local sports platform, came out in full support of the 30-year-old batter.

“No matter how good a batter you are, everyone goes through a rough patch,” Richards said. “Babar is a very good player. I am sure he will get back to form very soon.”

When asked about the title “King Richards” from his own playing days, and the parallels drawn today with Virat Kohli and Babar Azam, the West Indian great gave a thoughtful response.

“A king is one who rules over all,” he said. “When you watch players like Kohli and Babar, they appear to do justice to the game of cricket.”

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Richards expressed hope that both stars — and the next generation — continue playing with the same grace and class.

“I hope both of them, and other young players, continue to play in this way,” he added.

Touching on Pakistan cricket’s broader challenges, Richards acknowledged the slump but sounded optimistic about the future.

“Bad times come to everyone. I am confident that Pakistan will once again become a good team,” he said. “I have always felt that Pakistan has been gifted with great cricketers and immense talent. All we can hope is that with time, this talent continues to shine.”

READ: Viv Richards comments on Sarfaraz Ahmed’s leadership

Former Pakistan legend Zaheer Abbas has shed light on ace batter Babar Azam’s dip in form, suggesting that he is too shy to ask senior players for advice.

Zaheer, also known as Asian Bradman, pinpointed Babar Azam’s struggles, stressing the need for advice from seniors to regain his form.

“I think either Babar has an ego issue or is too shy to seek advice from his seniors in overcoming his current situation,” Zaheer said.

Zaheer Abbas recalled Muhammad Azharuddin’s advice to Pakistan’s top run-getter in Tests, Younis Khan, who was struggling for runs in 2016.

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

“I think in 2016 Younis Khan spoke to Muhammad Azharuddin and went on to score a double hundred in England, ” he said.

The 77-year-old emphasized that past generations’ players would reach out to each other during tough times.

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Peshawar Zalmi’s head coach, Inzamam-ul-Haq, has recently discussed the struggles of star batter Babar Azam and shared insights on what he needs to do to improve.

In a recent interview, the legendary batter emphasised the importance of patience and smart shot selection for Babar, suggesting that the key to finishing more matches lies in targeting the right bowlers at the right time.

“Babar, you already have all the cricket shots,” Inzamam said while speaking to Zalmi media. “But to win more matches, you need to wait for the right bowler and the right moment. Don’t try to hit every ball – be patient and smart.”

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

The former captain highlighted the mental side of modern cricket and how decision-making under pressure plays a decisive role, especially for top-order batters like Babar Azam.

Inzamam illuminated the secrets behind Zalmi’s success in the PSL throughout the years, attributing their impressive performance to a vibrant internal culture that fuels their ambitions and teamwork.

“We play like a family chasing a big target,” he said. “When we face tough times, we don’t give up. We stay united and fight together. That’s how we turn losses into wins.”

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Babar Azam, once regarded as a benchmark for emerging batters in Pakistan, is currently under a cloud of scrutiny due to a stark decline in his batting performance.

Since his impressive score of 151 against Nepal in August 2023, Babar has not managed to score a single century across any format in international cricket.

His struggles have been particularly pronounced in the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 10, where his batting woes have been hard to ignore.

The tournament commenced with a dramatic low, as he registered a duck against the Quetta Gladiators, followed by a mere single run in a subsequent clash against Islamabad United.

READ: Hafeez shares advice for Usman Khan, Sahibzada Farhan to cement T20I spot

Pakistan cricketer Umar Akmal has defended ace batter Babar Azam amid the debate about his spot in the Pakistan cricket team.

While speaking on a podcast during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 matches, Akmal lost his cool over comments regarding Babar Azam’s place in the national cricket team.

When asked ‘Which player should not be on the national team?’ by the host, a guest on the podcast named Babar Azam,

Following the answer, Umar Akmal became furious and backed Babar.

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“Do you think you could say infront of him [Babar Azam]? Nobody knows you in Lahore, but the whole world knows who Babar Azam is. How could you say this?”, saik Umar Akmal

“I am really sorry to say this but you can’t talk like that. He is going through a rough patch currently, but he remained captain of Pakistan team for 5 years,” he said.

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It is pertinent to mention that Babar Azam has been struggling to score runs recently. The batter had a dismal run in the recently concluded ICC Champions Trophy, however, he had slight better performance in Pakistan tour of New Zealand.

The right-handed batter did not have the best start in the PSL as Peshawar Zalmi lost their opening two games.

The 30-year-old also failed to make an impact with the bat, returning with scores of 0 and 1.

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