Former Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar came to the defense of Pakistan’s team captain, Babar Azam, during a conversation with former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh on his YouTube channel. The discussion revolved around comparing the similarities and abilities of Babar Azam and Indian captain Virat Kohli.
Harbhajan Singh argued that Virat Kohli is already an all-time great, while Babar Azam still has a long way to go. However, he acknowledged Azam’s abilities and greatness in Test cricket, noting that the shorter format of the game doesn’t suit the Pakistani skipper.
“Virat Kohli has established himself as a great, while Babar Azam still has a lot to do. He will reach there someday, as he is a wonderful player,” said Harbhajan on his YouTube channel. “He is very good in Test cricket, but maybe T20 doesn’t suit him a lot.”
Shoaib Akhtar, who joined Harbhajan Singh on the YouTube channel, shared the same views regarding the Babar vs. Virat comparison. However, the former pacer defended Azam against the criticism he often faces in T20 cricket, stating that he is working hard to improve his game.
“Virat Kohli is the greatest, and Babar Azam is in the process of becoming the greatest batsman ever. He is striving to improve in T20s. People criticize him without valid reasons,” Akhtar said.
The Babar vs. Kohli debate is one of the most discussed topics in the cricket world. While some believe that Babar Azam is already on par with or even above Virat Kohli, who has scored 75 centuries in international cricket, others argue that Azam has the potential to reach the same heights as Virat if he continues his impressive form.
It is worth noting that the highly anticipated India vs. Pakistan match in the World Cup will take place on October 15 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the largest stadium in the world with a capacity of up to 132,000 spectators.
Here is Pakistan’s schedule for the ICC World Cup 2023:
- October 6: vs. Qualifier 1 in Hyderabad
- October 12: vs. Qualifier 2 in Hyderabad
- October 15: vs. India in Ahmedabad
- October 20: vs. Australia in Bengaluru
- October 23: vs. Afghanistan in Chennai
- October 27: vs. South Africa in Chennai
- October 31: vs. Bangladesh in Kolkata
- November 4: vs. New Zealand in Bengaluru (Day match)
- November 12: vs. England in Kolkata
The day match will start at 10:00 am Pakistan Standard Time (PST), while all other matches will be day-night fixtures starting at 01:30 pm (PST).
