Babar Azam reacted sharply to a comparison with Virat Kohli during a post-match press conference, cutting off a journalist mid-question and dismissing the narrative around his ability to finish games.
The exchange came after Peshawar Zalmi’s narrow win in the Pakistan Super League, where Babar scored 43 from 37 balls while chasing 146 against Hyderabad Kingsmen. Opening the innings, he anchored the chase as wickets fell regularly at the other end.
When he departed on the final ball of the 15th over, Zalmi required 30 runs from 30 deliveries. The side eventually crossed the line on the final ball, sealing a four-wicket victory.
However, attention quickly shifted to Babar’s role in the chase. A journalist questioned whether he lacked the finishing ability often associated with Kohli.
Before the question was fully delivered, Babar interrupted with a firm response:
“Stop this. Keep these things to yourself. Stop comparisons and move forward. It is your misconception that I did not finish matches.”
His tone reflected growing frustration at a comparison that has followed him throughout his career.
Babar has long been measured against Kohli, particularly in white-ball cricket. While he remains one of the most consistent performers in T20 internationals, criticism has persisted around his strike rate and perceived inability to close out matches.
