Afghanistan secured their inaugural victory over Pakistan in the ODI format during the recently concluded 2023 ODI World Cup.
After the match, Rahmanullah Gurbaz made a request to Babar Azam for one of his bats, a plea that the then Pakistani captain graciously fulfilled.
Reflecting on this incident during a recent conversation with a social media influencer, Gurbaz expressed profound admiration for Babar Azam’s sportsmanship.
“That moment is etched in my memory,” Gurbaz shared. “After defeating Pakistan, I requested his bat. When he brought it, I sensed his disappointment, which I can understand as a fellow player. Experiencing the agony of losing a game under immense pressure, I got a bit emotional. He is an outstanding player and one of the finest captains,” he added.
Gurbaz disclosed that Babar Azam’s disappointment was so intense that it almost brought him to tears after the defeat.
“I was hesitant to say this on camera, but yes, he was so disheartened that he was on the verge of tears. I’ve never witnessed any player react like that. The odds were against him, but I salute Babar Bhai for his resilience. He remained strong, never gave up, and delivered his best,” Gurbaz said.
The Afghanistan opener further revealed that his younger brother is a fervent fan of Babar Azam, and he requested the bat on his behalf.
“Actually, my younger brother is a huge fan of Babar Bhai. So, he asked me for the shirt and the bat. I approached Babar Bhai with the request, and he simply handed them over. He didn’t refuse, and I will always remember that. I will pray for his success,” Gurbaz concluded.
Leave a Comment