Asia Cup 2023: 'Babar Azam's Friendship Has Caused Me More Harm', Says Out-of-Favour Pakistan Spinner Usman Qadir

Having a good and close relationship with the captain of the team might make things easier for most of the players but the case is quite different for Pakistan leg-spinner Usman Qadir.

The spinner shares a very good relationship with Pakistan captain Babar Azam but has insisted that it has done him more harm than good. Speaking to Cricket Pakistan, the 30-year-old has said that skillset and performance are the prime factors for a player’s place in the Pakistan squad and not personal relationships.

During the interview, Usman Qadir began by revealing the relationship he shares with Babar Azam. He revealed that his and Babar Azam’s friendship goes a long way back. Both know each other from their Under-15 days. He also insisted that he did not get a chance in the Pakistan team because Babar Azam became the captain. The leggie revealed that it was former coach Misbah-ul-Haq was responsible for his inclusion in the team.

“My relation with Babar is not from today – it’s been since when we both gave trials for under-15. I only came into the team when Babar became the captain.

“However, that doesn’t mean he took me into the team. The person who brought me into the team was Misbah-ul-Haq. I mentioned earlier, too, that Babar didn’t get me into the team, and why would he? This isn’t his team – it’s Pakistan’s team. Even Babar has acknowledged this himself,” Usman Qadir said.

Usman Qadir on the effects of friendship with Babar Azam:

Speaking further, Usman Qadir opened up on how sharing a good friendship with Babar Azam has not made things easier for him but has added more pressure on him. He also stated that the relationship puts Babar under pressure too.

“If the critique is around Babar’s and my friendship, then I should never have been out of the team in the first place. In fact, Babar’s friendship has caused me more harm than benefit because that has always added extra pressure on both of us equally,” said Usman Qadir.

The spinner has failed to cement his spot in the Pakistani team so far. He has not played for the team since the T20I against England in September last year. Usman Qadir has represented Pakistan in 1 ODI and 23 T20Is so far.