Babar Azam's father-Kamran Akmal engage in social media war after explosive podcast: 'Talking behind the backs'

The relationship of Babar Azam father and Kamran Akmal took an ugly turn after a recent podcast, leading to both parties trading barbs on Instagram. read more

A social media war has erupted between Pakistan cricketer Babar Azam’s father, Azam Siddique, and former wicketkeeper-batter Kamran Akmal over the latter’s explosive comments about Babar on a podcast. Neither side held back, with Siddique accusing Akmal of jealousy, while the former cricketer advised him to “stay within your limits.”

Interestingly, Babar and Akmal are close relatives. Babar is Akmal’s first cousin through his paternal uncle, however, their relationship hadn’t been very friendly of late and things got ugly after a podcast appearance of the former cricketer.

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Akaml feels Babar should only play in Tests

Reacting to Pakistan coach Mike Hesson’s decision to drop Babar and Mohammad Rizwan from the T20I side , Akmal said that the duo should now be sidelined from ODIs also and only be picked in Test cricket.

“In my opinion, they should now be kept only for Test matches. Maybe after another six months, they should be considered only for Test cricket,” Akmal said.

“After another six months, they should be sidelined from ODIs as well, because Pakistan hardly plays Test matches these days. No one is even talking about Test cricket. But if any real players are made, it is through playing Test cricket.”

This led to a sharp reaction from Babar’s father Siddique, who took to Instagram to share an old picture featuring Babar, Akmal and himself. He added a stern caption reminding Akmal of how, under his captaincy, Babar once hit a hundred the same day the now-retired cricketer was dismissed for a duck.

Babar’s father hits back at Akmal

“This child (Babar) never played under your captaincy, but you did play under his captaincy and got out for zero while he scored a century that day. Talking behind the backs of successful people is a compulsion of those who have failed,” Siddique wrote.

He also added a Turkish proverb, which translates to: “If someone says they are your brother, they should also clarify whether they are like Habil or Qabil (a reference to the biblical story of Abel and Cain).”

Akmal hit back at his uncle with another Instagram post in which he accused him of creating “false narratives” and crossing the limits. Akmal’s Instagram post also included a screenshot of Siddique’s post.

“May Allah bless you with even more respect and success. Being silent is not an option every time, especially when false narratives are being spread,” Akmal wrote. “I kindly ask you to think twice before speaking or posting about me without facts. May parents have raised us to be never jealous of anyone, and Alhamdulillah, I’ve proudly represented my country and performed with dignity.

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“Next time please choose your words more carefully. There are clear boundaries and you’ve crossed them more than once. Stay within your limits.”

Akmal also adviced his uncle not to indulge in “agendas” which can spoil the respect he commands.

“Don’t lose your respect by continuing this path. Cricket is about performance and not personal agendas. And if you’re going to hit at someone, be clear. Truth doesn’t hide in shadows. Pakistan always Zindabad.”

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