Veteran New Zealand fast bowler Mitchell Mcclenaghan responded firmly to a social media user who attempted to troll Pakistan all-format skipper Babar Azam. Mitchell McClenaghan described Babar Azam as a quality player and urged the user to respect him.

The Babar Azam-led team failed to register a victory in the warm-up matches ahead of the ICC World Cup 2023. The bowlers conceded 351 runs to Australia in Hyderabad on Tuesday, October 3. In response, the Men in Blue were bowled out for 337 runs in 47.4 overs.

An anonymous social media user criticized Babar Azam, referring to him as a “statpadder” after his performance against Australia. The user mentioned that Babar had scored top Australian part-time bowlers like David Warner, Steve Smith, Marnus, and Labuschagne.

Don’t Tag Me In A Post Like This – Mitchell McClenaghan

Mitchell McClenaghan responded strongly to a social media post and defended Babar Azam‘s skills. McClenaghan also urged people to show respect for Babar Azam’s name and accomplishments.

“Don’t tag me in a post like this again,” McClenaghan said. “They are warm-up games yes – people are bowling who often wouldn’t bowl much (no one wants an injury). But – Babar Azam is a quality quality player. Regardless of your loyalties to one player you need to put some respect on his name!” wrote McClenaghan.

Don’t tag me in a post like this again.

They are warm up games yes – people are bowling who often wouldn’t bowl much (no one wants an injury)

But – Babar Azam is a quality quality player. Regardless of your loyalties to one player you need to put some respect on his name! https://t.co/aSMw7oJErE

— Mitchell McClenaghan (@Mitch_Savage) October 4, 2023

Babar batted in the No. 6 position and scored 90 runs off 59 balls before choosing to retire. He took advantage of Australia’s strategy to experiment with different bowlers. However, despite their efforts, Pakistan couldn’t successfully complete the run-chase.

Babar Azam To Lead Pakistan In World Cup

Babar Azam will lead Pakistan in the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup 2023. He currently holds the No. 1 position in the batting charts, maintaining this top spot for more than two years. He was the leading run-scorer for his team in the last ODI World Cup in England.

The Men in Green will kick off their World Cup campaign against the Netherlands at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad on Friday, October 6.

Pakistan’s squad for 2023 World Cup: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan (vc) Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Usama Mir, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Hasan Ali.

Also read: Mitchell McClenaghan Brutally Trolls Kevin Pietersen After He Labels India-England Warm-Up Game The World Cup Final

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