The seasoned top-order batter spoke highly of the welcome accorded to the Pakistan cricket team during their stay in Hyderabad for their initial few games of the World Cup.
Imam-ul-Haq struck a run-a-ball 72 while Babar Azam scored a 93-ball 77 as Pakistan posted a par score of 275/8 in 50 overs electing to bat first at the Multan Cricket Stadium here on Friday.
Azam was brilliant, and Imam-ul-Haq kept him company as they scored 103 runs for the second wicket. He then added 108 runs for the third wicket with Rizwan before Khushdil Shah (41 not out off 23 balls) sealed victory with a late cameo as Pakistan eluded Shai Hope and the West Indies.
This will be after a gap of more than 14 years that international cricket is returning to the venue with Bangladesh having played here in April 2008.
Karthik feels Azam has it in him to become the world No. 1 batter in all three formats, which will be a unique first in the annals of the game. Azam already has the top ICC billing in both white-ball formats
The Asia Cup begins September 15 and features India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and a qualifier team.
Taffazul Rizvi, the legal adviser of Pakistan Cricket Board, said Jamshed was the "lynchpin" in the spot-fixing scandal.
“On the other hand, Virat Kohli-XI is a stronger outfit as far as overall experience is concerned,” Sarfraz Ahmed added.
Pakistan speedster Sohail Tanvir had sparked off a debate after giving double middle finger send-off to Australia cricketer Ben Cutting.
In a major blow for Australia, pacers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins have been ruled out of the upcoming Test tour against Pakistan, it was announced on Thursday.
