IND Vs PAK: 'Babar Azam Should Be Criticized'- Abid Ali Speaks On 28-Year-Old's Performance Ahead Of Asia Cup 2023

Pakistani cricketer, Abid Ali took an interesting dig at Babar Azam and said that he should be criticized more so that Allah will bless him in a possible way that the 28-year-old Men in Green skipper will score another century.

In the second ODI match against Afghanistan, Babar Azam played a 53-run knock from 66 balls which helped the Men in Green in the run chase. Pakistan sealed the three-match series after Babar Azam’s side won the second ODI match by just one wicket.

While speaking to Cricket Pakistan, Abid Ali praised the 28-year-old skipper and said that he is a world-class player and that Pakistan is lucky to have such a star in the squad.

Ali added that people start to complain about his performance when he fails to score runs but even the critics want him to score runs. The 35-year-old said that it is fun to watch Babar Azam play.

“It’s good, Babar should be criticized. When he is criticized, Allah blesses him in a way that he scores without any stopping. Babar has played with me; he’s also my junior – now he is a world-class player. Allah has given Pakistan such a star that there are no words to describe it. His [Babar] batting skills – it’s always fun to watch him play. All commentators worldwide praise him; so do we. We can pray for him that Allah bestows him with health and that he may continue to perform for the Pakistan cricket team. If he doesn’t perform in one or two matches, people start complaining that Babar didn’t perform; even the ones criticizing him want him to perform,” Abid said.

If he’s lacking somewhere, then he covers it up by…: Abid Ali on Babar Azam

The 35-year-old said that when the Men in Green skipper fails to score runs then he manages to score a hundred on the next match to compensate for it.

Abid Ali further added that the 28-year-old needs to be criticized then only he will centuries without any problems since he only delivers after criticism.

“A player who’s playing inside needs to keep every aspect into consideration. Babar Azam also must think, and he does realize. If he’s lacking somewhere, then he covers it up by scoring a hundred in the next match, and then everyone appreciates him. Cricketers propel themselves to the front after tons of hard work; they have struggled a lot. Criticism is easy, but as I said earlier, I want Babar to be criticized because then he delivers a performance. He performs exceptionally well and scores hundreds swiftly,” Ali added.

Pakistan‘s current form will help them in the upcoming Asia Cup, which will start from Wednesday (August 30th). The Men in Green will take on India in a high voltage in Asia Cup on Saturday (September 2nd) at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Sri Lanka.