Peshawar Zalmi faced Islamabad United in the ongoing Pakistan Premier League (PSL) on Monday (March 12) and won the clash by 13 runs. Although Peshawar’s regular skipper Babar Azam did not play the game due to an illness, he became a major talking point on the internet after the conclusion of the match.
During the contest, PSL commentator Simon Doull reached out to Babar and cleared up the controversy that had been going around after his statement for the latter. A few days back, Doull had lashed out at the Pakistan skipper for playing slow innings to reach the three-figure mark and keeping personal achievement above the team. Notably, the right-handed batter took 14 balls to score 17 runs on a batting pitch to complete his century against Quetta Gladiators. As a result, Peshawar lost the contest by eight wickets and ten balls to spare.
Speaking on the topic, on-air commentator Doull had said: “Rather than putting the team first… the last little while, that’s all that been happening. Rather than looking for boundaries, still, so much firepower to come. Hundreds are brilliant, stats are great, but it has to be team first.”
However, soon after his remark, the New Zealand-based commentator faced the wrath of Babar’s fans and was terribly trolled on social media. The veteran cricketer also shared a screenshot of one of the derogatory messages he received on his Instagram DM.
Following the backlash, Doull finally approached Babar on Monday and was seen having a conversation with him. Later, he took charge as the commentator alongside Daren Ganga and Sana Mir and shed light on his talk to the Peshawar skipper.
“I don’t need to say what was said but it was good. Lots of respect from both sides and it was really good. He [Babar Azam] wasn’t feeling at his best,” said Doull.
Former Pakistan Women’s team captain Mir was quick enough to counter Doull in a witty manner and asked, “Was it (Babar not feeling well) before the chat or after?”
Doull further responded, “I did actually let him talk at some stage too. I mean, this is not about me.”
Meanwhile, Mir hilariously refused by saying, “I don’t believe you.”
Here’s the video:
Guys, Simon Doul actually went to the Babar to clear himself what he meant. Abb Bss kro do #BabarAzam𓃵 #PSL08 #PZvIU pic.twitter.com/wzW2lqd7Bc
— Zaby 🙂 (@OverThinkerSays) March 12, 2023