Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam often remains in the news for his batting prowess, however, a controversy surrounded him recently after Peshawar Zalmi’s training session ahead of PSL 9.
The star batter is gearing up to lead Peshawar Zalmi in his second season with the franchise team after he joined them before PSL 8 last year.
Having spent six seasons with the Karachi Kings, Babar Azam made a high-profile move to Peshawar Zalmi ahead of PSL 8, joining the franchise in a trade deal involving Shoaib Malik and Haider Ali.
With PSL 9 just three days away, Peshawar Zalmi intensified their training regime to bolster their batting, bowling and fielding skills for the new season. However, a controversy stirred after a recent training session where Babar Azam’s younger brother Safeer Azam was spotted training with the team.
Babar Azam's younger brother Safeer Azam practicing with Peshawar Zalmi's squad 👀 #HBLPSL9 pic.twitter.com/4gmXBpNpTR
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) February 14, 2024
Safeer Azam’s presence during the training sessions raised eyebrows among fans and critics alike. Unlike his brother, Safeer Azam is not a professional cricketer and has not pursued a career in the sport, despite sporadic appearances at the club/association level.
Critics have levelled accusations of nepotism against Babar Azam, alleging that his brother’s involvement in the training sessions unfairly leverages the star player’s reputation to gain an advantage within the franchise team.
The controversy surrounding Babar Azam’s association with Safeer Azam has ignited a debate among fans, raising questions about transparency and fairness in team selection and training protocols.
In PZ's practice Safeer Azam was training with the team. Good players are ignored & BA's brother joins a dugout. He's not a professional player. Why's he aloud? Captain has more responsibility, but it doesn't justify bringing his bro just cuz he feels like it #PSL2024 #PSL9 pic.twitter.com/JvFde7ZG6E
— The Cricket Enthusiast (@TheCricketer21) February 14, 2024
Brother of @babarazam258, Safeer Azam joined the camp of @PeshawarZalmi
Isn’t it nepotism?#BabarAzam pic.twitter.com/nOvbYxIpS1— muzamilasif (@muzamilasif4) February 14, 2024
– why was even babar azam's brother safeer azam allowed to play a practice match and even warm up or practice with the team, I can't get it @PeshawarZalm – 🤔#HBLPSL9 | #BabarAzam
— Ahmad Amin Khan (@AhmadAminKhan) February 13, 2024
Now this is mistake of @babarazam258 he cannot make him play in the practice match alao pcb should take notice of this as per rules if its allow then its fine if not then they should tell babar not to commit such mistake. If im correct last time also babar did this mistake.
— Muhammad Ismail (@ismaila2z) February 14, 2024
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