PSL 9: Mohammad Amir hails Babar Azam on shot development

Former Pakistani pacer Mohammad Amir, who is representing Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine, appreciated Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam's shot development during a century against Islamabad United in Lahore.

Babar played an impressive innings of 111 runs off just 63 deliveries, marked by aggressive stroke play, as he hit 14 boundaries and two sixes, maintaining a striking rate of 176.19.

Amir hailed his ability to step out of his comfort zone and improvise, an advice the left-armer had frequently passed on to Babar.

"The way he played his last innings and the shots he played; I always used to tell him to play outside his comfort zone. It is a very good sign for Pakistan cricket that he has developed those shots," Amir said while speaking to the media in Karachi.

"I have no personal enmity with Babar. We have played cricket together, and we have a good relationship," Amir added.

Meanwhile, Amir reiterated his commitment to articulating his opinions, guided by what he believes is best for the game, and expressed hope for Babar's ongoing success.

"I always express my opinion which I feel is right as a cricketer. I hope he continues to play like this for Pakistan as well," he concluded.

It must be noted that it was Babar's 11th T20 century and second in PSL. He tops the list with 330 runs as PSL 9's leading run-scorer so far.

PSL 9 will now continue in Karachi and Rawalpindi after matches in Lahore and Multan concluded. Multan Cricket Stadium and Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium hosted 14 matches between them from February 17 to 27.

The action now moves to Rawalpindi’s Pindi Cricket Stadium and Karachi’s National Bank Stadium, where 16 matches will be held from February 28 to March 12. The event will then move to Karachi in its entirety for the playoffs.