'There is a hell of a difference': Ex-Pakistan player shuts down Virat Kohli-Babar Azam comparison

Former Pakistan player Mudassar Nazar has dismissed comparisons between cricket stars Virat Kohli and Babar Azam , emphasizing Kohli's exceptional status in the history of cricket. Nazar's statement highlights the difference in their achievements, with Kohli being a more established player.

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Mudassar Nazar on Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli , who made his international debut in 2008, has been active in cricket for a longer period than Babar Azam , who debuted in 2015. The comparison between the two has been a topic of discussion since Babar's entry into international cricket. Despite Babar's impressive records, such as becoming the fastest player to score 2,000 ODI runs, Mudassar Nazar's statement emphasizes Kohli's remarkable contributions to cricket.

Mudassar Nazar's praise for Virat Kohli and Indian skipper Rohit Sharma , expressing his admiration for their batting skills, further underscores the exceptional talent in Indian cricket. 

"I mean there is a hell of a difference between the two players. Virat will be remembered as one of the greatest who has graced the game. Babar has still got to make a name for himself."

The batting all-rounder showered praise on Indian skipper Rohit Sharma and Kohli, expressing that he could watch the two of them bat for hours.

"I love to watch Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli . When they are at the peak and playing well, it is fantastic to watch them. You could sit in front of the TV for hours and just watch those two play," he added.

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Mudassar Nazar blames PCB for Pakistan cricket's downfall

Mudassar Nazar has blamed PCB for the escalating tension between senior players Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi, insisting that the board must provide its captain with ample support and time to assert his leadership.

Babar resigned as Pakistan captain for the second time on Wednesday, having previously stepped down last year after a disappointing performance at the 2023 ODI World Cup , following which Shaheen was appointed as the limited-overs skipper.

However, the pacer was quickly removed from the role, with the PCB reinstating Babar as the white-ball captain in March this year.

"It is our own doing (the friction between Babar and Shaheen). We shouldn't have messed around with the set-up," Mudassar told PTI on the sidelines of the 'Cricket Predicta Conclave' in Ajman, UAE.

"There was one set captain, we should have given him a longer term and if somebody else had been made a captain, then he should have had a decent go at it.  And not been thrown out straight away." The board is yet to name the white-ball captain.

(With PTI inputs)