Former Pakistan speedster Mohammad Amir has made startling claims. The left-arm pacer has said that bowling to Babar Azam and a tailender who bats at No. 10 is no different for him. As Amir went head-to-head against Babar in Pakistan Super League 2023, the former Pakistan pacer said that he does not focus on player rivalries and instead tries to keep things simple.
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Amir, who is playing for Karachi Kings in PSL 8 faced Babar, Peshawar Zalmi captain when the two teams locked horns on Tuesday (14 February). The pacer had made this comment prior to this match between Kings and Zalmi.
"These kinds of matchups and player rivalries, keep players on their toes. I personally like these sorts of challenges because it keeps me focused. My job is to take wickets and win matches for my team, so for me, facing Babar or a tailender batting at number 10 will be the same," Amir was quoted as saying by Cricket Pakistan to a local channel.
The two individuals were also involved in a heated moment briefly during the game on Tuesday. As Amir was hit for a four by Peshawar Zalmi skipper Babar Azam on the penultimate ball in the 6th over of the game, the left-arm pacer bowled him a dot delivery and then collected the ball on the follow-through. Soon after collecting it, Amir vented his frustration by throwing the ball in anger.
Notably, Amir had a forgetful outing against Zalmi on Tuesday as the pacer conceded 42 runs in his four overs. Meanwhile, Babar Azam made a handy 68 off 46 balls. Meanwhile, Karachi Kings Shoaib Malik suggested that the respect element between the players should not be missing. "(I believe) the respect element shouldn't be missing. I've seen Amir, Imad, Babar... whenever they meet, they greet each other with respect," said Malik after the game.