File image of Babar Azam.©AFP
Pakistan cricketers Imam-ul-Haq and Ahmed Shehzad had a heated debate on live television, with the latter accusing national team captain Babar Azam of favouring players despite them being out of form. Appearing on talk show ‘Khaana Mana Hai! (We Can’t Lose!), Imam refuted Ahmed Shehzad’s allegations regarding Babar Azam and the Pakistan Cricket Board’s honesty and decision-making. Shehzad had alleged that Pakistan’s veteran players also play against weaker opposition, which reduces opportunities for younger players. Shehzad, who has played 13 Test matches and 81 ODIs for Pakistan, also spoke about the Indian national team, saying that Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma are often rested to give opportunities to younger players.
The main topic of the programme was Babar Azam’s captaincy. After Pakistan failed to reach the semi-finals of the 2023 Cricket World Cup, Babar stepped down as captain and handed over the reins to Shaheen Afridi. However, just before the 2024 T20 World Cup, Babar regained the leadership.
While Shehzad alleged that Shaheen had been unfairly stripped of his captaincy, Imam defended Babar, saying the decision was taken by the board and Babar had not asked for the captaincy to be reinstated.
“Babar was removed without his consent and reinstated without his consent. The board reappointed him as captain. In 2021, we reached the semi-finals. Later in 2022, we played in the finals, so that means we performed well. We didn’t win, but that’s debatable. We didn’t perform well in the finals. You can say Babar likes these players but to call it a friendship is quite personal,” Imam said.
Shehzad, 32, hit back at Imam-ul-Haq, 28. “I understand Imam is on a central contract. He is young. We said the same at his age. I am 34 and I am fed up. I hope things get better. Dragging players for four-five years is doing an injustice to the domestic players. It is taking away their rights from someone else,” Shehzad replied.
But Imam replied that his opinion has always remained the same.
“Yes, I have a contract with the central government, but I promise that I will maintain the same attitude when I turn 36,” Imam explained to the moderator.
Pakistan supporters will be hoping that the off-field controversy does not affect their team as they aim to win their second T20 World Cup this month in the West Indies and the United States.
The players in the green jerseys will take on hosts USA in the opening match on June 6 before taking on India in a thrilling match on Sunday, June 9.
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