‘Itna paisa hai toh IPL ki team khareed lo’ – Fans react to James Anderson’s claims of spending his entire draft budget on Babar Azam

The legendary England bowler James Anderson was perplexed when Babar Azam, the skipper of Pakistan, was not selected in this year’s ‘The Hundred’ draft. Babar, who had set an initial asking price of £100,000, failed to attract any interest. Anderson claimed that he ought to have used up his entire money to ensure that Babar was by his side in a BBC interview for the Tailender Podcast.

Babar didn’t find any buyers in the draft despite entering with an initial reserve price of £100,000.Babar was passed over in the draft last year as well because the event conflicted with Pakistan’s international obligations. Babar was offered for sale with a £125,000 deposit.

Babar’s fellow countryman Mohammad Rizwan also had trouble locating teams. Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, two quick bowlers from Pakistan, were recruited by Welsh Fire. Afridi, who made his domestic début in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy with 8-39, has played for his nation in 25 Tests and 32 One Day Internationals in addition to 47 International T20 appearances. 

Additionally, he has taken 99 Test victims and 62 ODI victims. His 94 victims for Lahore Qalandars, the team for which he first gained notoriety in 2018, were taken at an average of 20.75, compared to his 58 T20I wickets, which have come at a rate of 22.37. He has twice led the team to success in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), the latest being, earlier, this month when he scored a 15-ball 44* to help his team win the title match by a single run.

After playing in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2023 and skipping the Afghanistan match, Babar, recently, took a break. In his absence, Shadab Khan served as skipper as Pakistan but lost the three-match Twenty-20 International series by a score of 1-2 to the neighbours Afghanistan. The veteran will now rejoin the team and take charge during the home match against New Zealand. On this trip, the Kiwis will compete in five T20Is and an equal number of ODIs. 

Fans react to a bold statement made about Babar Azam on James Anderson : –

James Anderson was left shocked after Babar Azam went unsold at this year’s The Hundred draft

"I’ll pay double for him. I’ll spend the whole budget on Babar Azam"

Read more: https://t.co/rytadlGwtH

#BabarAzam #TheHundredDraft pic.twitter.com/bI8bt3fP6w

— Cricket Pakistan (@cricketpakcompk) March 30, 2023

Anderson might have misunderstood the format. Auction was for “The Hundred” and not for test matches . Babar Azam now went unsold thrice and one should not be shocked because reasons are well known to the world !!

— Rainbow Salt (@Rainbowsalts91) March 31, 2023

I can play with a better strike than him

— Abdul Moiz (@AbdulMo10199892) March 30, 2023

It is The Hundred – one cannot afford to have players chewing up a significant portion of the innings scoring at only just better than a run a ball.

— Thomas Sutcliffe (@aspitweets) March 31, 2023

Anderson forgets that England has no flat pitches. That's the reason he was not picked. 😂😂. Whatever the reason is there if Virat Kohli was there and he was not picked , then it would be a shame but but 😂😂😂😂😂!

— kullu_manaali (@AbHisHeKOjHaNo1) March 31, 2023

King Babar Azam is not available for the whole tournament that's why

— Syed Saham Gillani (@saham_syed) March 31, 2023

He'll pay double just to watch 50 ball 60 runs innings in The Hundred😂
Also is this statement real? Or inko babar ki Gaaan laal krne ke alava kuch ni aata

— Sniket (@IamAJ6451) March 31, 2023

Why would he be properly available as the busy role as Captain for 3 squads of PCT, the Indians hate so they laugh without any logic, anyone who is logical should be aware of his commitment, wouldn't we criticise if he spend more time in league cricket

— Insafian_MAA (@Insafia46047921) March 31, 2023

Thr is no one better than Jimmy Anderson to judge a batsman in world cricket..
Babar azam is technically strong and English conditions suit him 👍

— Dr Fawad (@MirFawad2) March 31, 2023