Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam named South Africa’s AB De Villiers the best batter he has faced during an interview on De Villiers’ official YouTube channel. Surprised by Babar’s choice, De Villiers suggested he pick another player. However, Babar reaffirmed his choice as De Villiers himself.
Additionally, Babar identified Australia’s Pat Cummins as the toughest bowler he has encountered. The conversation lightened when De Villiers, inquiring about the most famous contact in Babar’s phone, joked about not being mentioned again. Babar responded with a laugh, naming Pakistani singer Atif Aslam.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) recently denied No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) to key players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan for the Global T20 in Canada. This decision aligns with earlier refusals, like Naseem Shah’s denied participation in The Hundred due to his contract with Birmingham Phoenix.
The PCB explained that the refusals were after consultations with the players and the national selection committee, considering Pakistan’s demanding schedule. From August 2024 to March 2025, Pakistan will engage in nine ICC World Test Championship matches and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
“The three players, essential across all formats, must skip the event in Canada to be in peak condition for the upcoming season, starting with a two-Test series against Bangladesh,” the PCB stated. This step is part of the PCB’s workload management policy, ensuring the players’ optimal mental and physical readiness for a busy cricket calendar.
