Babar Azam Tends To Be Like Muhammad Ali, Says Sir Viv Richards

Quetta Gladiators mentor Sir Viv Richards heaped praise over Pakistan national team captain Babar Azam for his orthodox batting in T20 cricket.

In the advent of playing shots across the field, many batters have adapted the pyrotechnics of playing shots that amazes the fans.

Babar Azam is up there with the very best: Sir Viv Richards

Babar is part of that very rare group, who can score runs in conventional ways by mostly playing in the ‘V’ region. His elegance with the cover drive prettifies the shot in a customary manner.

Babar has accumulated 186 runs from four innings for Karachi Kings so far in the Pakistan Super League 2022. Babar’s 63-ball 90 against Peshawar Zalmi went in vain as his side fell nine runs short of the target.

Richards said Babar is the best batter in the current times and compared him in the ranks of boxing great Muhammad Ali.

“Babar is up there with the very best. He is definitely the best who plays conventional shots and shots that you will see normally in Test match cricket, ODI cricket,” Richards told Geo News.

“What I love about Babar is that you don’t see what he’s doing to you, he doesn’t knock you out. He tends to be like Muhammad Ali, when he boxes, he jabs and he hurts you. He is an individual that just has too much time to play, and it’s a joy,” he added.

Sarfaraz Ahmed is more focused on team’s success than individuals: Sir Viv Richards

Richards also appreciated former Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed, who is currently leading the Quetta franchise in PSL. The former West Indies batter said Sarfaraz aims to find success in the team and brings a lot of passion to his game.

“He (Sarfaraz) is someone who is more focused on team’s success than individuals. I’ve always liked his spirit and the energy that he brings. I’ve seen him do that on numerous occasions,” he said.

“I spoke to him earlier today to encourage and to let him know that he’s still a man who can accomplish anything that he wants to accomplish. Because he is an individual that brings a lot of passion and all the stuff that it needs to for you to be successful,” he further added.

Karachi Kings will play Islamabad United on Sunday at the National Stadium in Karachi while Quetta will take on Lahore Qalandars on Monday at the same venue.

Also Read: PSL 2022: Inzamam-ul-Haq Lashes Out At Babar Azam For His Inability To Finish Games