Cricket

Pakistan's captain Babar Azam has faced intense scrutiny following the team's dismal performances at the ODI and T20 World Cups. In the 2023 ODI World Cup, Pakistan failed to reach the semifinals, while in the recently concluded T20 World Cup, they failed to advance beyond the group stage.Despite his struggles, Babar Azam remains a highly respected figure in Pakistan cricket. All-rounder Hassan Ali has come to his defense, expressing unwavering support for the embattled batsman. In an interview with Cricket Pakistan, Ali hailed Azam as "the King of Pakistan.""He is my king, he is the king of Pakistan cricket, and he will always remain so because of the kind of batsman he is," Ali said. "I know maybe people will abuse me again and speak ill of me. But he is the best batsman of Pakistan, and he has proved it."Ali acknowledged that Azam has yet to lead Pakistan to a major trophy, but he emphasized that the batsman's talent is undeniable. "He should win trophies and series for Pakistan. But he is the best," Ali added.Ali also pointed out that Azam's emergence has elevated the "Fab Four" of Virat Kohli, Kane Williamson, Steve Smith, and Joe Root to the "Fab Five." "He is the king of Pakistan's batting lineup. He has performed everywhere, except in India where we went once last year and he didn't score a hundred there (in the World Cup)," Ali said. "You must have heard of the 'Fab Four', and now because of Babar Azam, it's the 'Fab Five'. Babar Azam is that fifth player."Despite Azam's poor form in the T20 World Cup, Ali believes that he will bounce back. "I still stand by that statement," Ali said. "He is the best."

Terror Attack on Vaishno Devi Pilgrims Draws Global Attention, Pakistan Pacer Hassan Ali ReactsA horrific terror attack on a bus carrying pilgrims in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district has sent shockwaves across the world. The incident, which occurred on Sunday evening, claimed the lives of nine people and injured 41 others.The 53-seater bus was en route from the Shiv Khori temple to the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra when terrorists opened fire, causing it to veer off the road and plunge into a deep gorge near the Teryath village of the Poni area.The attack has been widely condemned by world leaders and international organizations. Pakistan cricket team pacer Hassan Ali, whose wife Samiya hails from India, expressed his condolences on Instagram, saying, "All eyes on Vaishno Devi attack."In response to the attack, the Jammu and Kashmir Police have released a sketch of a terrorist involved and announced a reward of ₹20 lakh for information leading to his arrest. Extensive efforts are underway to track down the perpetrators, with 11 teams of security personnel deployed on the ground.The attack has cast a shadow over the ongoing T20 World Cup, where Pakistan's performance has been under scrutiny. The team has lost two out of three matches, including a defeat to India, and its hopes of advancing to the Super 8 stage appear slim.Hassan Ali, who has represented Pakistan in 24 Tests, 66 ODIs, and 51 T20Is, is not part of the team at the World Cup. He has been vocal in his criticism of Pakistan's performance, calling for accountability and a change in strategy.The terror attack on the Vaishno Devi pilgrims has highlighted the ongoing security challenges in Jammu and Kashmir. The incident has also raised questions about the role of Pakistan-based terror groups in fueling violence in the region.