Usman Khawaja terms Babar a ‘world-class’

ISLAMABAD, Australian batsman Usman Khawaja has termed the Pakistani Skipper Babar Azam a ‘world-class’ player saying the Lahore-born cricketer was consistent in all formats of the game.

“Babar Azam is world class player. He was always good in limited overs cricket and is now also developing in Test cricket. He is consistent in all formats, which is the hardest thing to do in cricket. I am excited to play against him. I am a cricketer lover, so I like watching a good batsman, as long as they don’t play too well against our team,” cricketpakistan.com.pk quoted him as saying.

Khawaja, who would be representing Islamabad United in the upcoming HBL Pakistan Super League (PSL) season 6, was happy to get the opportunity to take part in HBL PSL for the first time, as the sixth season of the tournament was set to resume in Abu Dhabi this from June. He was also keen to face the best bowlers coming out of Pakistan in the upcoming season.

“Pakistan always produces world class bowlers. Their bowling stocks are always full. Ben Cutting is my good friend, who always says that fast bowling is really good in Pakistan. You want to play against the best, so I am happy,” he said.

The Australian cricketer was hoping to play the league in his country of birth, Pakistan. “I am excited. Obviously would have liked to play in Pakistan a bit more. Not to get the opportunity is a little bit disappointing, but Inshallah (God willing) we’ll get to play some cricket soon. We will get to play our games, that’s the main thing and fans will get to watch it on TV. But it would have been nice if it was in Pakistan, but this is the next best thing,” Khawaja said.

“Inshallah I will get more opportunity in future or maybe next year in Pakistan. I have never played in Pakistan because PSL always clashes with our domestic season in Australia. Since now PSL was postponed, I got a chance to come and play in it,” he added.

The 34-year-old wasn’t bothered by the prospect of playing scorching heat in UAE as he enjoys playing in warm conditions.

“I like the heat. My parents live in Sydney and I live in Queensland, where it can get quite hot. There is a lot of humidity there. Whereas, it is dry heat in UAE. I have also lived in Saudi Arabia for four or five years, so I know how hot it can get. But luckily, it is only a T20 game, so we will be out there for three hours only,” he said.