Babar Azam Raises Eyebrows With 'Shocking' Remark On IPL


image-lfamhizuBabar Azam captains Peshawar Zalmi in PSL [Source: Twitter]

The Indian Premier League (IPL) continues to draw players, fans, and money year after year despite the rise of several T20 Leagues around the globe. While the IPL remains No.1, the debate for the second-best is hotly contested between the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and the Big Bash League (BBL).

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam, however, has an interesting take on this debate from a spectator's point of view. Speaking on the Peshawar Zalmi podcast, Azam said he personally prefers viewing the BBL over the IPL.

Interestingly, the Pakistan captain has played in neither the BBL nor the IPL since making his debut.

Here's how the conversation went

Host: Which one do you prefer to watch, IPL or Big Bash?

Babar Azam: Big Bash, because the conditions over there in Australia are different. The pitches over there are really fast and you get to learn a lot. Whereas in IPL, you get the same Asian conditions.

Azam is currently playing in PSL 2023, leading Peshawar Zalmi after being traded from Karachi Kings. Overall, in 253 T20s, he has scored 8,965 runs with eight tons and 75 half-centuries. 

Apart from the PSL, the 28-year-old has featured in the Caribbean Premier League for Guyana Amazon Warriors, T20 Blast for Somerset, and in Bangladesh Premier League for the Rangpur Riders. 

The stylish batter has registered his name in the upcoming The Hundred 2023 draft at a reserve price of £100,000.