Babar Azam's Father Responds To Mohammad Asif's Criticism Of Babar's Strike Rate

Former Pakistani Cricketer Mohammad Asif has claimed that he can still bowl a maiden over to Babar Azam in t20 cricket to which Babar’s father Azam Siddiqui responded. The disgraced Pakistani fast bowler who represented Pakistan in 72 games was critical of Babar’s strike rate and asserted that Babar could be contained easily if someone bowled well against him.

“I selected Babar Azam in the trials after he faced two balls only, you can ask his father that I picked Babar in the ZTBL trials. I rate highly, he is one of the best batters in the country but he plays dots in the power-play and puts pressure on Rizwan. I can bowl a maiden over to Babar Azam in T20 cricket even today, he cannot hit the ball if you bowl good deliveries to him.” said Asif on Twitter.

Mohammad Asif was the one who pushed the administration during the ZTBL trials to select Babar Azam as he had seen him play. During his Under-16 days, Babar Azam scored 84 runs in a match against Mohammad Asif’s team hitting 11 boundaries. “Why are you hesitating with him? He hit me for 11 fours. Note down his name and include him in the bank team; he will prove to be an asset to you.” said Asif to the administration in support of Babar Azam.

Babar Azam’s Father Gave a Classy Response To Asif’s Statements

“Dear Mr. Mohammad Asif, every individual is responsible for their actions. If such a time comes, Babar will gladly play a maiden over against you in order to show you respect.” Azam’s father concluded. He also requested the fans to refrain from making uncalled-for statements against the former Pakistani seamer.

Pakistan has announced their squad for the ICC World Cup 2023 with Babar Azam leading the side for the first time in ODI World Cup. Coming off a disappointing Asia Cup campaign where Pakistan finished at the bottom of the Super 4 table, they will be looking to win the World Cup this time. Pakistan is still the number 2 ranked team in the world in ODIs but they have to prove a lot.

Pakistan have recently suffered a big blow as Naseem Shah had to miss out on the World Cup 2023 because of an injury. Hasan Ali has replaced him in the squad but the question is will he be at his best, coming back to the format after a year?