Saeed Ajmal slams critics for calling Babar Azam 'selfish'
Cricket
Saeed Ajmal slams critics for calling Babar Azam 'selfish'
LAHORE (Web Desk) – Former Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal has given a furious response to critics for calling the all format captain of Pakistan cricket team Babar Azam "selfish".
The 28-year-old cricketer faced criticism after scoring 79 runs in 144 balls, at a strike rate of 69.3 during the second ODI against New Zealand on Wednesday.
However, Ajmal hit back at critics by stating that “If Babar Azam is selfish, then we need two to three additional such players in the team. He is a good player and any negative aspect of his game can be rectified.”
It must be noted that opener Devon Conway hit a sparkling hundred to help New Zealand achieve a convincing 79-run win over Pakistan in the second ODI.
The left-hander scored 101 and captain Kane Williamson made 85 before a collapse which saw New Zealand lose nine wickets for 78 runs and restricted them to 261 all out in 49.5 overs.
Pakistan lost wickets at regular intervals and despite a fighting 79 from skipper Babar Azam, the home team was dismissed for 182 to leave the three-match series tied at 1-1.
Ajmal also voiced his opinion against having different captains for all three formats of the game.
"There is no need for separate captains in all three formats. If they still want to do it, then they should only opt for separate captains in white and red-ball cricket," he said.
The Islamabad United Assistant Coach also stated that Shadab Khan will recover from the injury before the upcoming eighth edition of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Pakistan vice-captain was not considered for selection, for the three-match ODI series against New Zealand, after he suffered a fracture on his right index finger in Australia during the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL).
