PSL 2022: Wasim Akram issues clarification after video of him involved in intense discussion with Babar Azam during match goes viral

Pakistan pace legend Wasim Akram has issued a statement after a video of him being involved in intense discussions with the Karachi Kings skipper Babar Azam went viral on social media on Wednesday (February 16). It happened during their Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2022 league game against the defending champions Multan Sultans at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday. Akram is the mentor of the Karachi-based franchise. The Kings are already out of the playoffs race having lost all their eight games so far.

Coming into this clash, the pressure was on the Babar Azam-led side as they are yet to register their first win in the ongoing PSL 2022. When the game against Multan looked poised for a tense finish in the final over, Wasim Akram was seen having a discussion with Azam near the boundary line and suddenly also yelled at the latter as a disgruntled captain looked on. The Karachi Kings eventually went on to lose the contest by seven wickets.

Surprised to see reactions: Wasim Akram

Taking to the micro-blogging site, Wasim Akram clarified everything and at the same time also said that he is surprised to see reactions that he has been getting for having a chat with Babar Azam at the boundary. The ex-left-arm speedster then made it clear that he was just asking why the Karachi Kings bowlers were not bowling yorkers or slower ones offside off.

Heaping praise on the current Pakistan skipper, Wasim went on to add that the modern-day batting superstar is a wonderful boy and has tried his best.

Coming back to the contest, a quickfire 40 runs off 29 deliveries by wicketkeeper batter Joe Clarke followed by an unbeaten 32 off 16 balls by all-rounder Imad Wasim at the backend of the innings helped the Karachi Kings post a challenging total of 174/6 from their 20 overs after winning the toss and electing to bat first.

In reply, skipper Mohammad Rizwan (76) and in-form opener Shan Masood (45) added 100 runs for the first wicket. The middle-order duo of Rilee Rossouw (14*) and Khushdil Shah (21*) ensured there were no further hiccups as the title-holders won a final over thriller to remain at the top of the PSL 2022 points table being unchallenged.