ISLAMABAD: Daren Sammy, the head coach of Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Peshawar Zalmi, called skipper Babar Azam a “world-class cricketer” this week, saying it was a pleasure to watch him prepare for Twenty20 matches.
Sammy, who has been a mainstay for the franchise since PSL’s inception in 2016, was reappointed the team’s head coach last year and replaced English player James Foster. During an interview with Arab News, he said Azam, who joined Peshawar for the ongoing tournament after representing Karachi Kings in the past, was consistent with his performances.
Asked about recent criticism that Azam was struggling against leg spin, Sammy said the batter did not seem to be bothered by people’s unfavorable judgment of him.
“Babar’s performances over the years have been world-class and when your job is in the public [domain], the public will always have opinions,” he told Arab News. “I don’t think it bothers Babar as he is a world-class [player] and one of the best batsmen that have come from Pakistan, one of the best batters in the world, and he continues to show his class.”
Peshawar Zalmi's captain Babar Azam plays s shot during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) T20 cricket match between Peshawar Zalmi and Islamabad United at the National Stadium in Karachi on February 23, 2023. (AFP)
The Zalmi head coach said having Azam, the leading run-scorer in PSL history, on any team was a plus since the right-handed batter was capable of leading his squad to victory.
“Obviously, we [Zalmi] have a brand of cricket, a style of cricket that we want to play, and it’s all about buying into that, but I think he is coming on quite nicely and we are going to have great time,” he said.
Asked to choose between Azam and Indian batter Virat Kohli, Sammy said he was not one to compare players.
“I think both guys are excellent ambassadors of the game,” he said. “Babar is quality and class, and Virat Kohli is also quality and class. They are both consistent. They both represent their countries and play hard to win. I love watching both of them.”
“For me, it is a pleasure to have Babar in the [Zalmi] set up, just to see how he prepares,” the 39-year-old cricketer continued. “Now, I could share the experience [of seeing Babar’s performance up close] with different youngsters I meet across the world because he is an example that young batsmen could follow.”
About not being able to play in Peshawar this season, Sammy said the team would do so as soon as it got the opportunity.
“I know our fans are the most passionate ones in the PSL and they support us,” he said. “Hopefully, very soon, we will get the opportunity to play in front of our own fans [in Peshawar], let them celebrate, and [allow them to] see the superstars right up front.”
Sammy said Zalmi fans had been coming to cricket grounds to support their team since the first PSL season in Dubai and Sharjah.
“I think we created a close connection with our fans,” he added. “That’s why we are the number one sporting team in this country because we take our fans very seriously.”
