Babar Azam
Babar Azam (Credits: Twitter)

Babar Azam, the No.1 ranked T20I batsman in the world and the current captain of Pakistan white-ball teams’, has reckoned that playing behind closed doors in the post-corona world will be like playing a First-Class match.

Babar Azam recently engaged in a freewheeling chat with ‘Voice of Cricket’ Harsha Bhogle on CricBuzz where he spoke on a plethora of issues related to his career and cricket in general in the post-corona world.

Babar Azam Reckons Playing International Cricket Without The Fans Will Be Like Playing A First-Class Game
Australia and New Zealand played out n ODI behind closed doors before COVID-19 (Photo-Cricket Australia)

According to Azam, it will be difficult for the players to adjust to the concept of playing cricket without the presence of raucous fans in the stadium.

“It will be very difficult. The fact that there will be no one in the crowd. It will feel like we are playing a first-class match,” Babar Azam told Cricbuzz.

He added: “You won’t be able to shine the ball as per ICC guidelines. It will be difficult as when people are present in the stands, playing cricket is fun. When kids come to watch, they also think and aspire to play at this level. I am sure we will miss these things,”

Babar Azam seeking inspiration from Imran Khan- the leader

Babar Azam Reckons Playing International Cricket Without The Fans Will Be Like Playing A First-Class Game
Babar Azam. Credits: Twitter

Babar Azam was recently named as the captain of the Pakistani ODI team. Azam is already leading the T20I side since last October following the sacking of Sarfaraz Ahmed from all forms of the game.

Azam will be primed with the task of reviving the fortunes of the Pakistan ODI team. The 50-over team has been mediocre for a long period of time and Azam is seeking inspiration from the 1992 World Cup-winning captain and the current Prime Minister Imran Khan, as far as decision making and leading the team from the front is concerned.

“I haven’t seem him (play) much but I have heard a lot. I have obviously watched the highlights of 1992 World Cup and other games,” said Azam.

“The way he used to take bold and brave decisions (on the field) was quite inspiring and he used to lead from the front.” Babar Azam added.

Also Read: “I Will Try To Become A Player Like Him”: Babar Azam On Virat Kohli