The Quetta Gladiators’ coach & mentor, Sir Vivian Richards, compared Pakistani captain Babar Azam to Muhammad Ali, the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time, adding that he ‘methodically dismantles’ his opponents.
In an interview with a local news site, the cricket icon claimed that Karachi Kings captain, whose praiseworthy batting was a joy to see, is the best who plays traditional shots and strokes seen in longer formats.
“What I like about Babar is that you can’t see what he’s doing to you and he doesn’t knock you out.” When he boxes, he’s like Muhammad Ali in that he jabs and hurts you.
“He’s an individual who just has too much time to play, and it’s a joy,” Richard was quoted as saying about Pakistani skipper Sarfraz Ahmed, who was named ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year.
He praised the captain of the Karachi Kings and Pakistan Team, adding the 27-year-old is one of a select group of players who can score runs in traditional methods. In addition, his dexterity with the cover drive adds a traditional touch to the shot.
To read our blog on “Babar Azam is a victim of the ICC’s bias, as he is ignored for the T20I Player of the Year award,” click here.
