Pakistan’s ‘finest participant’: Hassan Ali backs Babar Azam amid poor kind

A collage exhibiting Karachi Kings’ Hasan Ali (left) and Peshawar Zalmi’s  Babar Azam throughout a PSL match. — Fb@KarachiKings/PCB/File

KARACHI: Pakistan quick bowler Hassan Ali has thrown his full help behind under-fire former captain Babar Azam, who’s presently battling a dip in kind and efficiency.

Talking at a press convention after his Pakistan Tremendous League (PSL)  match on Monday, the quick bowler described Babar as Pakistan’s “best player” and dismissed criticism of his kind, although he acknowledged that the star batter was going by a troublesome time.

Hassan’s remarks got here when a journalist referred to one among his previous feedback about Babar through which he termed the previous captain a “King” by saying “King kar lega” which suggests, the “King will deliver”.

“We made Babar the king, and we are also bringing him down,” he mentioned, including: “If my words ‘the king will deliver’ hurt anyone, I apologise. But my stance remains [that] Babar is our best player, and he will bounce back.”

Reflecting on the Karachi Kings’ efficiency, the right-arm pacer admitted their batting collapse value them the match. Karachi Kings have been crushed by Lahore Qalandars in yesterday’s match.

“We lost early wickets, couldn’t build partnerships, and the pressure mounted,” he mentioned, including that the group would evaluation their inconsistencies.

The 2017 Champions Trophy winner additionally addressed the broader concern of participant criticism, condemning private assaults whereas accepting constructive suggestions. 

“Criticism for improvement is fine, but when families are targeted, it affects everyone,” he mentioned, referencing abusive crowd behaviour throughout Pakistan’s current tour of New Zealand. “I understand that as public figures, we’re always under scrutiny. Our job is to respond with performances.”

Hassan, who final performed for Pakistan in Could 2024, reiterated his want to return to the nationwide group. “I’m still young and believe in my ability. Performances here will decide my international future,” he mentioned.