ISLAMABAD: Former Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur termed prolific batsman Babar Azam as a ‘genius’ and said that he was a 10,000 runs test cricketer.
In an interview with a sports website, Mickey Arthur said, “I remember everybody said I was favoring Babar, Yes I was favoring him because I could see the potential and I knew what he would give Pakistan cricket in the long run. He is a genius.”
He further said, “I just get overjoyed every time I watch Babar Azam bat because he is a special player. People will say he’s my love child and I don’t care.”
Commenting on the current Pakistani coach and chief selector Misbah ul Haq, Mickey Arthur said, “Misbah is a great cricket brain. He eats, sleeps and drinks cricket.”
The former Pakistani coach further said, “Misbah ul Haq is passionate about Pakistan cricket as well and I think he is doing a wonderful job.”
Mickey Arthur also believes that Misbah doing dual role wasn’t a major issue. He said, “I think Misbah with his knowledge of the domestic game is able to do those two roles and I have no doubt.”
The current coach of Sri Lanka also praised fast bowler Muhammad Amir for his brilliant ability to bowl and to win games.
He said, “I loved Amir because of his ability to bowl and his ability to win games. I played Amir in every test I possibly could and that was selfish from me as a coach because I pushed him through a lot.”
Referring to Mohammed Hafeez’s statement on Mickey Arthur that there were double standards and favouritism while Mickey was coaching, Mickey said that he was surprised Hafeez said that.
In this regard, Mickey said, “I like building relationships with players. I never ever have favoured anybody but I’m partial to guys that I know can win games for my team and have the ambition to become a match-winner.”
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