'Caused me more harm than good': Pakistan star's jolting remark on Babar Azam's friendship

Usman Qadir, the promising leg-spinner, was once considered a rising star in Pakistan's cricket. His international debut took place in a T20I match against Zimbabwe in November 2020. In the shortest international format, Usman participated in 23 matches, claiming 29 wickets with an average of 19.06 and an economy rate of 8.13. He also made a sole appearance in an ODI against South Africa, where he secured 1/48 in nine overs. 

3 things you need to know

• Usman Qadir is legendary Pakistan bowler Abdul Qadir's son
• He made his international debut against Zimbabwe in 2020
• Usman has played 23 T20Is and 1 ODI for Pakistan thus far

Also Read: 'I Want To Marry Babar Azam': Ramiz Raja's Cringe Comment On Live TV Goes Viral - WATCH

Usman Qadir opens up on his friendship with Babar Azam

Recently, the 30-year-old shared that his long-standing friendship with Pakistan's current captain, Babar Azam, goes back to their under-15 days. Nonetheless, he clarified that his entry into the senior team wasn't facilitated by Babar, but rather, he attributed the opportunity to Misbah-ul-Haq, acknowledging that Babar's leadership role didn't directly influence his selection. Usman emphasized that the team belongs to Pakistan as a whole and not just Babar.

In response to assumptions about favoritism, Usman rejected the idea that Babar's friendship played a role in his selection over other players. He explained that their friendship actually added more pressure on them rather than benefiting their careers.

"My relation with Babar is not from today - it's been since when we both gave trials for under-15. I only came into the team when Babar became the captain; however, that doesn't mean he took me into the team. The person who brought me into the team was Misbah-ul-Haq. I mentioned earlier, too, that Babar didn't get me into the team, and why would he? This isn't his team - it's Pakistan's team. Even Babar has acknowledged this himself," Usman told Cricket Pakistan.

"If the critique is around Babar's and my friendship, then I should never have been out of the team in the first place. In fact, Babar's friendship has caused me more harm than benefit because that has always added extra pressure on both of us equally," he further added.

Also Read: R Ashwin Has Same Number Of Overseas Test Centuries As Babar Azam-Mohammed Rizwan Combined

Usman Qadir's tumultuous international career

Usman's last international game was in September 2022 during a T20I against England. Subsequently, his presence in the national team has dwindled. Usman was named in Pakistan's squad for the T20 World Cup 2022 but was later moved to reserves as he needed more time to recover from an injury. 

Image: PCB