Umar Akmal Clarifies Viral Post on Babar Azam

ISLAMABAD: (Web Desk)- Former Pakistan cricketer Umar Akmal has clarified his recent social media post involving Babar Azam, after it sparked controversy online.

Akmal turned to X (formerly Twitter) to address criticism, saying his Instagram post was misinterpreted as a comparison or mockery. He stressed that he holds Babar in high regard and never intended to compare himself with the Pakistan captain.

“I want to make it clear that my intention was never to compare myself with Babar Azam. He is among the best batters in the world today, and I deeply respect his achievements,” Akmal wrote. He explained that his comment was purely technical, suggesting that Babar’s batting strengths are better suited to the top order rather than the middle order in T20 cricket.

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Akmal added that the post in question was simply a fan repost and was neither deliberately edited nor meant to provoke debate.

The clarification comes at a crucial time, as Pakistan cricket team faces an uncertain path to the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Pakistan suffered a narrow defeat against England cricket team in the Super Eight stage, while their fixture against New Zealand cricket team was abandoned due to rain.

With Pakistan currently on one point and New Zealand on three, qualification remains possible. Pakistan must defeat Sri Lanka cricket team by a significant margin and hope England overcome New Zealand, allowing net run rate to decide the final semi-final spot.