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Tag: babar azam interview

  • Who Is Babar Azam’s Favorite Batsman That He Has Played Against? Pakistan Captain Answers | cricket news

    In a recent interview that has captured the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide, Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam shared his admiration for South African legend AB De Villiers. During a conversation on De Villiers’ official YouTube channel, Babar was asked to name the best batsman he has played against. Without hesitation, he chose De Villiers, leaving the former Proteas star both flattered and amused.

    I interviewed Pakistan’s @babarazam258 before the T20 World Cup earlier this year, and l’d shared a bit of it back then. Don’t miss out on this chat, and show my friend some love. ,

    Here’s the full interview __

    _: https://t.co/nTA05h4nZY#CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/iy02SXZvn2

    — AB de Villiers (@ABdeVilliers17) July 20, 2024

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    A Moment of Humble Admiration

    The interaction was nothing short of delightful. When De Villiers, a cricketer revered for his innovative batting and sportsmanship, posed the question to Babar, the Pakistani skipper’s answer was swift and clear. “It’s you, AB,” he said with a smile. De Villiers, known for his humility, tried to steer the conversation towards other active cricketers, but Babar stood firm in his admiration. “My answer remains AB De Villiers,” he reiterated, adding a touch of heartfelt respect to the dialogue.

    Facing the Toughest Bowler

    The interview delved deeper into Babar Azam’s cricketing experiences, revealing intriguing insights. When asked about the toughest bowler he has encountered, Babar named Australian pace sensation Pat Cummins. The recognition of Cummins’ prowess is a testament to the high regard in which he is held within the cricketing community.

    Celebrity Connections and Laughter

    In a lighter vein, De Villiers humorously inquired about the most famous person in Babar’s phonebook. The Pakistani captain’s first thought was, of course, De Villiers himself. However, amid laughter and playful banter, Babar revealed that renowned Pakistani singer Atif Aslam holds that spot in his contacts. This light-hearted exchange added a personal touch to the interview, showcasing the camaraderie between the two cricketing greats.

    PCB’s Decision on NOCs: A Strategic Move

    In related news, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently made headlines by refusing No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to key players Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan for the Global T20 in Canada. This decision followed a similar refusal for Naseem Shah’s participation in The Hundred, where he had a contract with Birmingham Phoenix.

    Prioritizing National Commitments

    The PCB’s decision was based on Pakistan’s packed cricketing schedule from August 2024 to March 2025. This period includes nine ICC World Test Championship matches and preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. A PCB statement emphasized the necessity of keeping these all-format players in optimal. mental and physical condition for the demanding international calendar.

    “The PCB had received NOC requests from Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi for the Global T20 event, amongst other players. After taking into consideration Pakistan’s busy and packed cricket calendar… it has been decided to decline their requests,” read the statement released by the PCB on Friday night.

    Workload Management for Peak Performance

    Highlighting the PCB’s commitment to player welfare, the statement continued, “The three are all-format cricketers and their services are expected to be required in the upcoming eight months… it is in the best interest of Pakistan cricket and the players that they skip the upcoming event in Canada so that they are in their best mental and physical shape for the season, which commences with the two-Test series against Bangladesh.”

  • Virat Kohli on Babar Azam’s mind as Pakistan captain recalls MCG clash ahead of T20 World Cup 2024 | Cricket News

    The stage is set. The buzz is palpable. As cricketing titans India and Pakistan gear up for their much-anticipated clash at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York on July 9, the atmosphere is electric. With both teams placed in Group A of the T20 World Cup 2024, the stakes are higher than ever. This rivalry, steeped in history and passion, is more than just a game—it’s a battle of pride and prestige.

    ICC rates Virat Kohli’s 18.5 as “SHOT OF THE CENTURY” __ pic.twitter.com/gB9AP3cZBW

    — Keval 18 (@kevalVK18) November 7, 2023

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    The MCG Clash: A Haunting Memory

    Pakistan captain Babar Azam recently opened up about the indelible mark left by their last encounter with India at the 2022 T20 World Cup. It was a match that showcased Virat Kohli’s brilliance, as he played an unforgettable innings that snatched victory from Pakistan’s grasp. In a nail-biting finish at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Kohli’s unbeaten 82 off 53 balls orchestrated a dramatic four-wicket win for India.

    Babar reminisced about that fateful match, admitting that Pakistan should have clinched the victory. “For me, in 2022 [World Cup]we could and should have won the India game, but they took it away,” he said. Kohli’s extraordinary six off Haris Rauf became the stuff of legends, and commentator Gerard Whateley’s phrase “shot of an emperor” aptly captured the moment’s grandeur.

    Handling Pressure: Barbar’s Approach

    As the Pakistan team prepares for their World Cup opener, Babar emphasizes the significance of managing the immense pressure that comes with an India-Pakistan clash. “The expectations and hype around the match cause some nervousness,” he noted on the PCB podcast. However, Babar believes that focusing on the basics and maintaining composure can help players navigate the pressure cooker atmosphere.

    “It’s a game of immense pressure, and if you keep your cool, stay calm, and trust your hard work and skills, things will be easier,” he advised. This approach will be crucial as Pakistan aims to improve on their recent form, having failed to make it past the group stages in the last World Cup.

    India’s unpredictability and Pakistan’s consistency

    Both India and Pakistan have experienced fluctuating fortunes in recent T20 World Cup editions. India, despite their immense talent, has often faltered at critical junctures since their inaugural T20 World Cup win under MS Dhoni. The current squad, under the guidance of coach Rahul Dravid, seeks redemption and aims to draw inspiration from their past successes in the 50-over format.

    On the other hand, Pakistan’s T20 World Cup record is a study in contrasts. Known for their unpredictability, Pakistan has reached the semi-finals or better in six of the eight editions, marking them as one of the most consistent teams in the tournament’s history. Despite internal strife and volatile performances, Pakistan remains a formidable force on paper.

    Virat Kohli: The Game Changer

    For Babar, the specter of Virat Kohli looms large. Kohli’s performance in their last World Cup encounter was a masterclass in handling pressure and executing under duress. His ability to anchor the innings and finish with a flourish is something that Pakistan will be wary of. Kohli’s presence adds an extra layer of challenge for Pakistan, who must strategize meticulously to contain his impact.

    The Road Ahead

    As the T20 World Cup 2024 unfolds in the West Indies and the USA, all eyes will be on the July 9 showdown. For fans and players alike, an India-Pakistan match is a spectacle that transcends cricket. It’s a contest that brings out the best and worst, showcasing raw emotion and unyielding determination.

    Both teams have much to prove. For India, it’s about reclaiming their status as T20 giants, while Pakistan seeks to shed the ‘unpredictable’ tag and affirm their consistency. As Babar Azam and his men take to the field, they will carry the lessons of the past, the weight of expectations, and the hopes of a nation eager for victory.