"Aapko Kya Lagta Hai Main Budha Ho Gaya Hun": Babar Azam When Asked About Retiring From One Format Of The Game

Given the rigorous cricketing schedule, many players are considering giving up one format of the game to extend their careers, mainly because there are so many franchise leagues that every player wants to be a part of.

England’s veteran Ben Stokes recently announced his retirement from one-day international cricket, citing physical limitations.

A journalist recently asked Pakistan captain Babar Azam a relatable question and received a startling response. The journalist questioned whether senior players like himself, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi should retire from one format in order to manage their workload.

We Have Not Given A Thought About Retiring From One Format: Babar Azam

One of the critical reasons for Pakistan’s loss to Sri Lanka, according to the journalist, was injuries to senior players.

“You, Rizwan and Shaheen are the stars, pride of Pakistan cricket. Like we lost the second Test against Sri Lanka, kya aap ko nahi lagta ki hum depressed the, workload aap logo pe zyada tha? (Don’t you think the players were depressed, the workload was more?) So won’t it be a good idea if you people play only two formats”, asked the journalist.

Babar though gave a unique response, “It depends on your fitness. Abhi jis tarha hamari fitness hai, abhi aisa socha nahi hai ki hum do format mein aa jaye. Aapko kya lagta hai main budha ho gaya hu? ya hum budhe ho gaye hai? (The kind of fitness we have, I don’t think we should limit ourselves to two formats. Do you think I have become old?)

Babar Azam has been outstanding in all versions of the game. He is currently the lone batter in the top three rankings across all formats. He leads the limited overs format and is just second to Joe Root and Marnus Labuschagne in the Test rankings.

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