'He is our king and my skipper' - Hasan Ali reveals why he did not celebrate Babar Azam's wicket in LPL 2023

A unique incident took place during the 16th match of the ongoing Lanka Premier League (LPL) as Dambulla Aura faced Colombo Strikers at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. Experienced Pakistani pacer Hasan Ali dismissed compatriot Babar Azam in the sixth over of the second innings as the Strikers were chasing 167 for a win.

Hasan has a special style of celebrating after picking up a wicket, but he refrained from pulling it out after dismissing Babar, who is the best batter in the Colombo-based franchise. This came as a surprise to many as fans couldn't fathom why Hasan didn't celebrate a wicket of such magnitude. It is also important to note that the Niroshan Dickwella-led side was going great guns before the Babar dismissal as they had scored 55 runs inside the first six overs for the loss of two wickets and brought the required run rate substantially down.

After the match, the right-arm pacer explained the reason why he didn't celebrate the massive wicket. Hasan said that Babar is his skipper and he has the utmost respect for the star batter and that is why he decided not to celebrate after sending him back to the hut.

"He is our king and my skipper, so there is always a respect element and that’s why I didn’t celebrate," Hasan Ali said during an on-field interview after the match.

The 29-year-old bowled a slower delivery full and outside off and Babar tried to hit a lofted shot but could only manage to slice it straight up and into the hands of Sadeera Samarawickrama at extra cover.

Dambulla Aura beat Colombo Strikers to assure themselves top-two finish

The wheels came off for Colombo Strikers after Babar Azam departed as they eventually capitulated for 116, thereby losing the game by 50 runs. With this win, Dambulla Aura assured themselves a top-two finish with 10 points from seven games.

Kusal Mendis and Co. will be in action on Monday, August 14 as they take on B-Love Kandy in their last league game. A win for B-Love Kandy, who are currently placed at number two on the points table, will also assure them a top-two finish.