During match number 2 of Pakistan Super League season 8, Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi played out an extremely close encounter which absolutely went down the wire. A lot of things happened in the match including a few heated altercations between Karachi and Peshawar players.
The match was ultimately won by the Peshawar Zalmi by a close margin of just 2 runs thanks to a match winning knock from the bat of Tom Kohler-Cadmore. We will get to the match results and stats later because our focus is on the feud which took place between Pakistan captain Babar Azam and former Pak lefty bowler Mohammad Amir.
As we all know, Babar Azam previously represented Karachi Kings and faced his former team for the first time this season. The classy right handed batter delivered a Captain’s knock during Peshawar’s 198 run chase as the 28-year-old amassed 68 runs off 46 deliveries.
His innings included 7 Fours and a Six and helped his side win their opening PSL 8 fixture. But his innings and his status in Pakistan was not liked by one of Karachi bowlers – Mohammad Amir who was once all over the news due to his spot fixing attempt almost 8-9 years ago.
Amir retired from the International circuit last year but he dropped hints that he could stage a return if PCB administration is changed. He was once again caught in the act in that match after Babar Azam sent one of Amir’s ball to the boundary ropes.
Mohammad Amir was clearly agitated after getting hit for a 4 thanks to a colossal flick and in return, Amir responded by throwing the ball towards the Wicket-keeper in sheer anger. After the match ended, Karachi Kings captain Shoaib Malik shed some light on the incident and said “the Respect element should never go missing.”
"Babar Azam, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir all respect each other" – Shoaib Malik#HBLPSL8 | #KKvPZ pic.twitter.com/rBpDhYBgex
— Grassroots Cricket (@grassrootscric) February 14, 2023
“I think the respect element shouldn’t be missing. I’ve seen Babar, Amir, Imad… whenever they meet, they greet each other with respect. In this room, you won’t be compatible in the same way with everyone. Some would gel up well, you’d like some and you might not like some others. But that would only be on professional basis. I’m sure you all respect each other too.”
“It’s good for the league. Once you enter the league, you need to focus on what encourages you to deliver your best. But we know no one crosses the line. – said Malik during the press conference.
