Pakistan cricketers Imam-ul-Haq and Ahmed Shehzad bought right into a heated debate on reside tv, the place the latter accused nationwide crew captain Babar Azam of favouring gamers regardless of poor type. Showing on the discuss present ‘Haarna Mana Hai!’ (Shedding Is Not An Choice!), Imam countered allegations made by Ahmed Shehzad concerning the integrity and decision-making of Babar Azam and the Pakistan Cricket Board. Shehzad had made the argument that senior Pakistan gamers additionally play in opposition to weaker opponents, decreasing alternatives for younger gamers. Shehzad – who has performed 13 Checks and 81 ODIs for Pakistan – even referred to Crew India, and the way Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are sometimes rested to provide kids an opportunity.
The primary speaking level of the present was round Babar Azam’s captaincy. Babar had resigned as captain after Pakistan did not qualify for the semi-finals of the 2023 Cricket World Cup, handing over the reigns to Shaheen Afridi. Nonetheless, simply earlier than the 2024 T20 World Cup, Babar has been handed again management.
Whereas Shehzad argued that Shaheen had been stripped of his captaincy unfairly, Imam defended Babar, saying that the board had taken the choice, and that Babar had not requested his captaincy again.
“Babar was eliminated with out his consent and reinstated with out his consent as properly. The board re-appointed him as captain. In 2021, we reached the semifinals. Later in 2022, we performed the ultimate, which suggests there have been performances. We did not win, that may be a debate. We did not click on within the closing. You may say Babar likes these lot of gamers however terming it as friendship is kind of private,” Imam mentioned.
Shehzad, 32, hit again at 28-year-old Imam-ul-Haq. “We perceive that Imam is in a central contract, he’s younger. We spoke the identical when have been at his age. I am 34, sick and uninterested in issues. We wish issues to be higher. While you drag gamers for 4-5 years, you do unsuitable with these performing in home. Another person takes their rights,” Shehzad replied.
Nonetheless, Imam responded by saying his opinion would stay the identical always.
“I’ve a Central contract, sure, however I promise to you that once I’m 36, I’ll nonetheless have the identical stance as I’ve now,” defined Imam to the host.
Pakistan supporters will hope that this off-the-field debate doesn’t affect their crew, who’re aiming for a second T20 World Cup title within the West Indies and USA this month.
The lads in inexperienced tackle hosts USA of their opening sport on June 6, earlier than the high-octane tie in opposition to India on Sunday, June 9.
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