Kumar Sangakkara, Sri Lanka’s legendary batter, claimed that Pakistan’s Babar Azam has surpassed him in many ways as a player in international cricket. The 42-year old also claimed that Azam’s goal should be to become the best version of himself.
“I have watched Babar Azam for a long time. I actually played with him for Karachi Kings. He is an exceptional player, one of the best in the world, in terms of Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, and Joe Root. He seems to adapt to every format very easily, he is a very special player,”
Sangakkara said. “I think Babar Azam has already surpassed me in many ways. His aim should be to become Babar Azam, The best Babar Azam possible.”
Sangakkara recently captained the Marylebone Cricket Club’s (MCC’s) side on their tour to Pakistan He stated that the MCC team had a great time on the tour and the people of Pakistan on their hospitality.
“We have had a great time [in Pakistan]. The hospitality has been outstanding. That is what I have always remembered. To be able to come back here and experience that again, to be able to play great cricket, to feel safe and then also to go around Lahore, everyone has been so nice to us. They have been so welcoming and passionate for the sport. I think it has been a great experience.”
Sangakkara hopes that the MCC tour results in future tours of Pakistan by international teams.
“I think the impact, hopefully, will be from the statements and interviews that we have given along with our personal experience that will be communicated to others in the cricketing world. This will go towards supporting and strengthening the confidence of other sides. Hopefully, international sides such as New Zealand, Australia, England, and South Africa will come and play here,” he said.
“The message is very clear in terms of how we toured the country. That message will definitely get back. When boards and teams are making their decisions, our tour will definitely come into play.”
