The unlikely duel between Pakistan skipper Babar Azam and out-of-favour Mohammad Amir has made headlines for wrong reasons. Amir made a controversial statement as he said bowling to Babar and a no.10 batter is the same to him. When the two net each other on the field, Amir was over-aggressive and threw the ball in his direction which was criticised by many. Peshawar Zalmi captain has finally reacted to Amir’s aggression.
These kinds of matchups and player rivalries keep players on their toes. I personally like these sort of challenges because it keeps me focused. My job is to take wickets and win matches for my team, so for me, facing Babar or a tailender batting at number 10 will be the same," Amir was quoted as saying by ARY News before Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi clash on February 14.
More than a week later in an interview with Cricket Pakistan, Babar revealed that he does not want focus on things other than batting.
“On the field it's the game of bat and ball. And you always try to put your best foot forward. I try to only focus on my batting, not on other things that can divert my attention, because then, it affects me. The more I simple I keep it, the more it's good for me. I don't think I reacted in any way that time, I kept it quite simple. You can show aggression, mine comes through batting,” said the 28-year-old.
Babar won the first bout against Amir. The left-arm pacer went for 42 runs in his quota of four overs whereas Babar scored 68 runs from 46 deliveries including seven fours and one six.
The 30-year-old pacer also got an earful from former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi who felt that a wrong example is being set for budding cricketers.
"Whenever a player doesn’t perform, or even if he does, I drop him a message for call him. Likewise, I messaged Amir yesterday. I talked to him respectfully, but I also scolded him. I told Amir, ‘what do you want?’ You have gained so much respect, you faced a blot on your reputation and from there, you made a return. You got a new life, in a way. What are you even trying to do?" Afridi told on Samaa TV.
"Ye koi tareeka hai? (Is this the way to play?) There are juniors around you, you are using bad words. There are fans who are disheartened to see that. Even we have used such words and, sometimes, the camera used to catch us. There are families, kids watching you on television. Aggression is fine, but keep it under control," he added.
