Former Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar recently criticized Babar Azam for his poor communication skills. Akhtar criticized Pakistan captain Babar Azam and said that he can never become the brand of the country as he does not know how to express himself in front of the media.
VIDEO: ‘He doesn’t know English..’, Shoaib Akhtar lashed out at Babar Azam
However, Akhtar recalled an old incident recently when he bowled to young Babar Azam in the nets. Akhtar, popularly known as Rawalpindi Express, revealed that the Pakistan captain hit him with a straight drive, which left him fuming. Talking to Suno News, Akhtar said, ‘I still remember that Babar used to come to Azam Academy. Mudassar Bhai was with him at that time.’
When Akhtar got angry –
Shoaib Akhtar said, ‘Once I told Babar Azam to bat in the nets and specifically said not to hit straight drives. But he is a natural batsman who relies on cover or straight drive. Soon he hit a straight drive on my ball. Then I thought, I will not leave him. Then Mudassar Bhai told Babar Azam to come out, otherwise he will hit the ball.’
Babar Azam targeted again –
Earlier, Shoaib Akhtar had taunted Babar Azam by praising wicket-keeper batsman Azam Khan. Akhtar had said, ‘I consider Azam Khan responsible, who does not just play slog but believes in increasing the innings. He also spoke well in the interview and it was nice to hear the way he talked about his performance.’
Akhtar further said, ‘When I used to play 20 years ago, I was not worried about how I used to speak. But in today’s world, being in the media is a part of your job. I can now hint or target you. That’s the problem, please go and fix it. This is for your own benefit. The way Babar Azam speaks, it seems that he is captaincy material.’
Azam was not spared even here –
Shoaib Akhtar gave a befitting reply to Babar Azam even after winning the ICC Player of the Year award this year. Akhtar said, ‘When Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, Shahid Afridi and Abdul Razzaq used to play, they used to say that the whole ground and the spectators here are mine, I control the atmosphere here.’
He also said, ‘What is Babar Azam controlling. Is this how you will become a star? It is not just about winning the ICC Player of the Year award. No-no viewers should support what Azam did. He should take his responsibility. It should be such that I have come here to run the show. Babar Azam is currently captaining Peshawar Zalmi in PSL.’