Wasim Akram criticises Babar Azam for taking shirt openly by Virat Kohli

| 2025-01-16 10:23:15

Virat could be seen handing over his jersey to Babar after the game

Wasim Akram said Babar must not have taken the jersey inside the ground - AFP/Screengrab

Former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram has criticised Babar Azam for taking a signed shirt openly from Indian batting great Virat Kohli after the ICC World Cup 2023 match between the two sides in Ahmedabad on Saturday.

In a video circulating around, the 34-year-old Virat could be seen handing over his jersey to Babar Azam.

While Indian the players were busy celebrating the win, Kohli was seen having a chat with Babar. Kohli was more than happy to oblige to Babar's request and promptly gave him his jersey after signing it.

Sultan of Swing, on a local sports channel, didn't like this and said Babar must not have taken the jersey inside the ground.

"Babar should have not met Kohli in the ground. This was not the situation to meet Kohli openly. Babar should have taken the shirt privately from Virat," he said.

It must be noted India bowled out Pakistan for 191 and then chased down the target in just 30.3 overs to win the match by 7 wickets and keep their unbeaten run in the tournament intact.

Rohit Sharma (86) and Shreyas Iyer (53*) led the run chase under lights after Jasprit Bumrah and the rest of the Indian bowlers triggered a Pakistan collapse as they fell from 155 for 2 to 191 all out in 42.5 overs.

India jumped to the first position of the ICC World Cup 2023 points table. With three wins in three matches, the home side continued their excellent form and maintained a positive 1.821 net run rate (NRR).

Meanwhile, Pakistan are at fourth with an NRR of -0.137. They will now play Australia on October 20.