While the Indian Premier League remains the most followed T20 league in the world, the Pakistan Super League on the other side of the border is laying down some first-class cricket. The timeless charm of these leagues lies in the way they make their teammates compete against one another. Last night, in Delhi, KL Rahul was competing against Virat Kohli, and the two had a slight face-off in the middle. Likewise, in the PSL as well, two of cricketing great names of Pakistan faced each other when Mohammad Amir bowled against Babar Azam in the match between Quetta Gladiators and Peshawar Zalmi on Sunday.

Amir tested Babar severely. Amir bowled four balls to Babar, all of which tested the former Pakistan skipper. Amir's first delivery was a bouncer, hitting Babar flush on the crash helmet. The batter took a concussion test, but there was no relief. Babar could manage just one off Amir's bowling before he got out. A wicked inswinger from the left-arm pacer struck Babar on the pads, and the batter was stone dead. Up went the finger in a flash, and Babar began his walk back.

But Amir's celebration was the icing on the cake. The experienced pacer was ecstatic and rushed to the dugout of the Gladiators, where mentor Viv Richards was sitting. Amir waved his hand at Richards in joy over the wicket, but the West Indies icon advised him to remain cool, relax and keep it up. Amir ended with 1/18 but it was his teammate Faheem Ashraf, who stole all the limelight with a five-wicket-haul. Faheem picked up 5/33 off 3.3 overs as the Gladiators defeated Zalmi by a massive 64 runs. Babar, who has 117 runs, is not even among the top 10 list of highest run-getters in PSL 2025, while Amir is 12th with 7 wickets. For their teams, Zalmi is not doing well, being fourth with two wins out of six matches. The Gladiators are better off than Zalmi but still at third position with six points are not yet out of the woods.

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Interactions between Mohammad Amir and Sir Viv Richards after getting Babar Azam.🔥👌pic.twitter.com/bI1qKwhyjQ

— junaiz (@dhillow_) April 27, 2025

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Viv Richards backs Babar Azam

The West Indian legend said that Babar Azam would soon find his rhythm again. He said that a king is a monarch who reigns supreme and, regardless of how great a batter is, everyone experiences a dip in form. Richards mentioned that this was not the first time Babar was going through such a phase and expressed confidence that Babar, being an excellent player, would return to form very soon. He added that players like Kohli and Babar do justice to the game of cricket.

"Babar Azam will also get into his rhythm soon. A king is a monarch who reigns supreme. Regardless of how great a batter you are, every one experiences a dip in form. This is not the first time he is experiencing such a phase. Babar is an excellent player. I am confident he will return to form very soon. I think when you see players like Kohli and Babar, they seem to do justice to the game of cricket," Richards said.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is making headlines with its ambitious plan to bring in the legendary West Indian batsman Sir Vivian Richards as a mentor for the national team. This potential mentorship could be a game-changer as Pakistan gears up for the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup 2024 in the Caribbean and the United States.

PCB’s Interest in Richards

The PCB is interested in securing Sir Vivian Richards as a mentor after his successful stint with the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Richards’ ability to inspire and guide players has caught the board’s attention, making him a prime candidate for this crucial role.

Under Richards’ mentorship, the Quetta Gladiators have seen remarkable performances from players like Sarfaraz Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz. His ability to instill a winning mentality and tactical understanding has been widely praised.

“The board is highly impressed with how Richards has performed as a mentor with the Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League. They are keen to have him mentor the Pakistan squad for the World T20,” a source told cricketpakistan.com.

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Previous Mentoring Roles

Richards has served as a mentor for various teams, providing valuable insights and strategies that have helped teams perform at their best. His experience with the Quetta Gladiators has been particularly noteworthy, showcasing his ability to connect with players and elevate their game.

Why PCB Wants Richards

Richards brings a wealth of expertise and experience that can be invaluable to the Pakistan team. His deep understanding of the game and ability to strategize can help Pakistan navigate the challenges of international tournaments.

Richards’ presence can significantly influence the players’ mindset, boosting their morale and confidence. His mentorship can help players refine their skills and approach the game with a winning attitude.

“They are trying to find a solution because the Board is very keen on having Richards as the mentor, but he has not yet agreed to anything,” the source added.

Vivian Richards: A Legendary Career

Sir Vivian Richards is one of cricket’s greatest legends. His career spanned from 1974 to 1991, during which he scored over 8,500 runs in Test matches and more than 6,700 runs in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Known for his aggressive batting style and charismatic presence, Richards has left an indelible mark on the cricketing world.