Azhar Ali compares Babar Azam’s popularity with Shahid Afridi

Former Pakistan captain and national selector Azhar Ali termed star batter Babar Azam as the most popular national cricketer after legendary all-rounder Shahid Afridi.

Azhar, during an interview with a cricket news platform, was probed about his alleged tilt towards Babar, who has been often criticised for his captaincy.

The former skipper, in response, stated that he has criticised his captaincy multiple times but never questioned his batting skills.

“I have criticised Babar a lot on his captaincy, I’m saying this now as well that he has captained for so long, he should have created another team in this duration. But when it comes to batting, I say, please stop,” said Azhar.

“I’m like if you don’t like someone then you start talking about his batting as well. Yes, at times, you don’t do well in the tournaments but he’s the only player from Pakistan, who has given Pakistan a name through his batting,” he added.

Azhar then went on to claim that Babar is the only conventional batter from Pakistan, who gets the crowd to go frenzy, drawing parallels with former all-rounder Afridi, famous for his hard-hitting abilities.

“There have been very good Pakistan players, a lot of match-winners but couldn’t catch the world the way Babar has done it.

“I think, the way Babar has made his name in the world and in India, I mean, a normal conventional batsman, is getting cheered by the crowd, I’ve seen the first person after Shahid bhai.”

Azhar Ali then went on to urge the critics to remember Babar Azam’s contributions before highlighting his shortcomings.

“Even I have a very good Test record but the runs he is scoring in all three formats then I can say that he has this weakness or that. I should think that he is just too good, just think about it,” stated Azhar.

“Just see what he has done, you are focusing on what he hasn’t done. You are always looking for that.”