Pakistan stalwart reacted to the criticism from former cricketers and said that while facing scrutiny is part of their life, he added that personal attacks have become too common in . Babar also lent support to all-rounder Shadab Khan, who was slammed for his remarks on former cricketers.
While responding to legends’ criticism following the team’s T20 World Cup exit, Shadab said that the current team did something that the former cricketer could not do – beating India in a World Cup.
“Former cricketers have their own opinions. They were legends, but even they could not do what we have done. We have beaten India in a World Cup. Criticism is part of cricket’s history,” Shadab had said.
Babar called out the former cricketers and said they can speak about players, it’s right for them, but when a current cricketer hits back, it is wrong. He defended Shadab’s remarks and said that he made the statement in the heat of the moment.
“When they speak about things, it’s right, but if the current player has said something, it’s not right. Anyway, it’s a different ball game. Shadab said something in the heat of the moment. Everyone has their own way of speaking,” said Babar on Zalmi TV.
“But in the end, you are just fighting among yourselves. There should be an effort to support the Pakistan team. Yes, we didn’t do well in the T20 World Cup. We know we didn’t perform well,” he added.
No Comparison Between Generations – Babar Azam
Babar said that the criticism from the former cricketers may be justified given the team’s performance, but requested them to refrain from making personal attacks, adding that there is no comparison between generations.
“There is no comparison. If you talk about the 90s cricketers, they are very experienced. They have played more cricket. If they think we are making mistakes, then we must be. But sometimes, there are personal attacks. When that happens, a player thinks about answering back,” he said.
“You can say anything you want to when it comes to cricket. But players also have self-respect. When you don’t respect them, you also will get the same,” he added.
Meanwhile, Babar will lead Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL final against Hyderabad Kingsmen and would look to get the team to bag second their PSL title.