Srinagar: Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has revealed the incident when young Babar Azam hit him for straight drive during nets.
Shoaib Akhtar shared incident involving Babar Azam as he recalled the time when he bowled to him for the first time in the nets.
Akhtar revealed that he had particularly warned Babar of not hitting him for a straight drive, but Babar did it anyway.
“I still remember Babar used to come to the academy. Mudassar bhai would accompany him at the time. Once, I told Babar to bat in the nets, and specifically told him to not hit me for a straight drive,” Akhtar began as he revealed the story on Suno News.
“But he’s a natural batter who relies on his cover and straight drives. Soon, he hit me for one. Tab maine kaha, ‘main isko chhorunga nahi’ (Then I said, I won’t spare you). Then, Mudassar bhai told Babar to come out varna ye maar dega ball (or else he will hit you),” Akhtar revealed, passing a chuckle. The Pakistan speedster mentioned that Babar would still remember the moment.
Babar is currently taking part in the Pakistan Super League where he is leading the Peshawar Zalmi side.