Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt takes a dig at speedster Shoaib Akhtar over his language remarks on Babar Azam. Earlier, Akhtar criticised Babar Azam over his communication skills. The 47-year-old Akhtar questioned whether it is that difficult to learn English and asserted that not only Babar most of the Pakistan cricketers face the same issue.
Salman Butt said that it is not a big problem if Babar doesn’t speak well in English, Butt added that Babar’s primary job is to play cricket, which he is doing pretty well, Speaking on his YouTube channel, Butt pointed out how several top athletes prefer to speak in their native language.
“Babar Azam is quite sensible. You may have a problem with his accent, but there’s nothing wrong if he doesn’t have a good command over a language that is not his mother tongue. Many athletes around the world intentionally choose to speak their language and let people translate. Everyone should feel proud to have ownership of their language.”
Butt continued that not knowing a language should not be portrayed as a weakness, and said Babar should remember based on his performance on the cricket field–and added that Babar himself a big brand in Pakistan.
“Not knowing a language should not be portrayed as a big weakness. Babar doesn’t have to read the news on TV or do voiceovers for plays. Babar Azam is a brand in himself. How many Pakistani players have remained on top with this consistency?
Babar Azam is currently playing in the ongoing Pakistan Super League 2023 and leading Peshawar Zalmi. Legendary Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar criticised Pakistan all-format skipper Babar Azam’s communication skills–and said that he can’t speak good English is the reason why Azam could not express his feelings in the media.
Women’s Premier League Will Change The Face Of Women’s Cricket – Former Pakistan Opener Salman Butt
As far as the inaugural edition of the WPL is concerned, it is scheduled to get underway on Saturday, March 4. The opening game will be played between Gujarat Giants and Mumbai Indians at the Dr DY Patil Sports Academy in Mumbai. All five franchises have assembled their squads following the auction on February 13.
“The face of women’s cricket will change after this. It is going to give them a new dimension. There are going to be a lot of opportunities for the players. in India would now want their daughters to take up the sport,” Butt added.
Gujarat Giants, Mumbai Indians, UP Warriors, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Delhi Capitals are the five teams that will fight for the inaugural championship title in WPL 2023.