(Credit PCB)
Reports suggesting that Babar Azam had been approached by Cricket Victoria for potential participation in the Sheffield Shield and Big Bash League (BBL) with either Melbourne Renegades or Melbourne Stars have been dismissed by Cricket Victoria’s CEO Nick Cummins. Cummins unequivocally refuted these rumors, denouncing them as unfounded “fake news.” It’s worth noting that Azam has no prior history in the BBL, and if he were to express interest in joining the league, he would need to adhere to the standard draft process, making him eligible for selection by any team.
Babar Azam, currently in New Zealand for a T20I series, showcased his brilliance despite Pakistan’s loss. Reports of Cricket Victoria contacting him for contracts in Sheffield Shield and BBL were promptly dismissed by CEO Nick Cummins, citing regulations. Foreign players’ participation in the Sheffield Shield is limited, diminishing Azam’s prospects.
Check out Nick Cummins’ response to the rumors of Babar Azam securing a Sheffield Shield contract.
Babar Azam has faced a dip in form lately, evident from his inability to score fifty-plus in the recent Australia Test series and his absence of centuries in the ODI World Cup. After Pakistan’s World Cup exit, he relinquished captaincy. Shaheen Shah Afridi now leads in limited-overs, Shan Masood in Tests. Pakistan’s struggles continue, with no victories since their lone World Cup win against New Zealand.
Pakistan’s cricket team, known as the Men in Green, suffered a 3-0 defeat in the Test series against Australia, enduring a whitewash by the Kangaroos. Their woes continued with a loss in the first T20I against New Zealand. Next, they are set to clash with the BlackCaps in the second T20I at Seddon Park in Hamilton on January 14th.
