Following his most recent unbeaten score of 75 off 58 balls in the Pakistan Super League 2023 encounter on Thursday, Pakistan’s star cricketer Babar Azam has gained new attention (February 23). Peshawar Zalmi, Babar’s team, lost to Islamabad United despite his outstanding effort as they chased down their 157-run target with six wickets left.

At a news conference after the game, Babar spoke and expressed his disappointment over his team’s loss. The Pakistani captain, however, was also taken aback when a reporter inquired about his previous squad, the Karachi Kings. The journalist’s query was cut off by Babar’s incisive and witty response. He said, “Mai unka (Karachi Kings) ka coach thodi hun. Aap mujhse pooch rahe hain?. Abhi aaj ke match ki baat karte hain. [I am not their coach. You are asking me? Let’s talk about the game that happened today.]”

READ MORE: NZ vs ENG: Harry Brook breaks Vinod Kambli’s long-standing record in Wellington Test

Babar spent six successful years with the Karachi Kings, where he twice ended as the tournament’s top run-getter and won the Player of the Season award during the team’s championship season in 2020. He had a forgettable run with the organization, though, as they placed last in the standings in 2022. Babar was criticized for his lack of leadership qualities despite his stellar achievement.

Babar was exchanged by Karachi Kings for Haider Ali and Shoaib Malik with Peshawar Zalmi before the 2023 season. Karachi Kings have had trouble in the tournament despite a management shift, having lost three games and won just one so far this year.

Babar’s most recent performance has demonstrated his talent as one of Pakistan’s best batters once more. He and Mohammad Haris put on an exhilarating 76-run partnership for the first wicket, making 76/0 in just 6.5 overs. At Karachi’s National Bank Arena, the squad was batting first and was held to a total of 156/8 after Haris was dismissed.

With his most recent effort, Babar once again proved why he is one of Pakistan’s top batters. In just 6.5 overs, he and Mohammad Haris put on a thrilling 76-run combination for the first wicket to make 76/0. The team, which was batting first at Karachi’s National Bank Arena, was limited to a score of 156/8 after Haris was removed.

Now the question arises, was Karachi Kings’ choice to trade Babar Azam for Haider Ali and Shoaib Malik ahead of the 2023 Pakistan Super League season a wise one?