WATCH: Simon Doull has a chat with Babar Azam, clarifies his ‘it has to be team first’ statement

Former New Zealand pacer and commentator Simon Doull was seen having a lengthy conversation with Pakistan captain Babar Azam just days after criticising him for his batting intent. Babar scored a century during a Pakistan Super League (PSL) match between Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators. Still, Doull, who was in the commentary box, criticized him for slowing his innings to reach the milestone.

“Rather than putting the team first… the last little while, that’s all that been happening. Rather than looking for boundaries, still, so much firepower to come. Hundreds are brilliant, stats are great, but it has to be team first,” Doull said on-air.

Doull was later seen conversing with Babar during the game against Islamabad United. Notably, Babar was unable to participate in the game due to illness. Later, Doull was seen discussing his conversation with Babar with his fellow commentators, Daren Ganga and Sana Mir.

“I don’t need to say what was said but it was good. Lots of respect from both sides and it was really good. He [Babar] wasn’t feeling at his best,” Doull was heard saying on commentary.

However, Mir went on to take a dig at Doull by saying: “Was it (Babar not feeling well) before the chat or after?” Doull, Ganga, and Mir burst out laughing. “I did actually let him talk at some stage too. I mean this is not about me,” Doull replied. Mir then trolled Doull by saying: “I don’t believe you.”

Here is Simon Doull’s video

In the ongoing PSL 2023, Babar Azam has led Zalmi from the front. He has 416 runs in 9 games, including a century and four half-centuries. He is only 67 runs behind Multan Sultans captain Mohammad Rizwan, who has 483 runs in 10 games. Peshawar Zalmi qualified for the playoffs with five wins in ten games. On Thursday, March 16, they will face Islamabad United in the Eliminator at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.