Wasim Akram Teases Babar Azam Over PSL ‘Roti’ Story at Lords Event
Ahead of the 11th season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL), a special promotional event was held at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, attended by senior PCB officials, former players and current cricketers.
PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, former chairman Ramiz Raja and former Pakistan captain Wasim Akram were among those present. However, the highlight of the event was a light-hearted conversation between Wasim Akram, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf and Sahibzada Farhan, which has since gone viral on social media.
According to BBC Urdu, the event was broadcast live on Pakistan Television on Monday afternoon.
During the show, PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi reiterated his commitment to making the PSL “the number one league in the world.”
Former PCB chief Ramiz Raja praised the tournament, calling it one of the best leagues globally for overseas players, adding that “there is no host in the world like Pakistan.”
He credited PSL for producing several talented cricketers who are now part of the national squad.
Why the PSL Roadshow Was Held in London
The event comes as the PCB plans to expand the league by adding two new teams and is currently looking for new investors.
The original 10-year franchise agreements of the existing six teams have now expired. The PCB has announced that bidding for two new PSL teams will take place on 6 January 2026.
Experts say the London roadshow was intended to highlight the commercial value of PSL and attract interest from British investors.
Proposed names for the two new teams include:
Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Hyderabad, Sialkot, Muzaffarabad and Gilgit.
The winning bidder will be allowed to select one of these as the official team name.
Wasim Akram’s Humour Steals the Show
Assigned to host a segment with players, Wasim Akram mixed sharp questions with humour.
In one moment that caused laughter, he jokingly asked Babar Azam:
“How do you manage the young players? Have you reduced their roti (bread)?”
Akram also recalled an amusing incident from the first PSL season’s opening ceremony:
“The buffet opened at 4 pm. The foreign players took a small piece of fish or salad, but our boys’ plates were full of meat. I told them, add a little soup too while you’re at it.”
Akram said foreign players helped Pakistani cricketers understand fitness routines, nutrition and discipline.
This is not the first time Akram has publicly raised concerns about players’ diet and fitness. He has previously criticised poor conditioning after major defeats.
Haris Rauf: ‘Without PSL, I Would Be Doing a Regular Job’
Responding to Akram’s question about his journey, fast bowler Haris Rauf said the PSL changed his life.
“If PSL didn’t happen, I would probably be working somewhere in a normal job,” he said.
Rauf explained he didn’t dream of playing for Pakistan at first, but trials gave him confidence.
Speaking about criticism, he added:
“When my performance is poor, people criticise me. I try to answer with performance, not words.”
Rauf faced heavy criticism after Pakistan’s defeat to India in the Asia Cup final.
Sahibzada Farhan and Babar Azam Reflect on PSL Experience
Sahibzada Farhan shared that despite playing cricket for 17 years, he has only now started gaining recognition.
He said he regularly takes batting advice from Babar Azam on and off the field.
Babar Azam added that PSL gave him a rare opportunity to share a dressing room with global stars.
“Playing alongside Kumar Sangakkara, Jayawardene, Chris Gayle and my idol AB de Villiers helped me improve as a player.”