KARACHI: Star batter Babar Azam opened up about losing the opening sot in the Pakistan T20 team on Monday.
While speaking at a press conference after the match between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings, Azam admitted that he wasn’t keen on batting one-down position during the T20I series against New Zealand earlier this year.
"As an individual, I wasn't satisfied with batting one-down but I did that for Pakistan,” Azam said.
Former Pakistan skipper had long served as an opening batter for the national side, but following criticism over his slow strike rate and the Pakistan Cricket Board management’s decision, he started playing at one down.
Azam also praised his Zalmi opening partner, Saim Ayub, saying he felt great opening a match with the youngster.
“The way of my and Ayub’s playing is different as we strategise (a match),” he said.
The Zalmi skipper said Ayub had also become a proper all-rounder after the latter’s excellent bowling performance in PSL 9.
He also apprised the media persons that initially they faced trouble in making a team combination but later they overcame the issue.
To a query, Babar said he did not pay attention to criticism for he gave performance in the stadium, so there was no need for somebody to tell him anything. “I know my game and I try to enhance it every day,” he said.
To another query, he said he could not describe the pleasant feeling upon hearing people chanting “Babar, Babar”.
“It feels great when people call my name,” he added. He tried to provide people happiness through his performance, he maintained.
Faizan Lakhani Faizan Lakhani is Deputy Editor (Sports) at Geo News.- Babar Azam