Hasan Ali Apologizes for ‘King Kar Lega’ Remark, Stands Firm in Support of Babar Azam
NEW DELHI: In a heartfelt gesture, Pakistan’s fiery pacer Hasan Ali has publicly apologized for his viral catchphrase ‘King Kar Lega’, a slogan he coined to rally behind former captain Babar Azam. The phrase, meant as a tribute to Babar’s prowess, has stirred controversy among fans who link it to the star batter’s recent struggles with form.
During a post-match press conference at the ongoing Pakistan Super League (PSL), Hasan addressed the criticism head-on. ‘If my words, saying ‘King Kar Lega’, have hurt anyone or been taken as a mistake, I sincerely apologize to all fans, including Babar,’ he stated with evident humility. Despite the backlash, the 29-year-old fast bowler remained steadfast in his admiration, affirming, ‘Babar was the best, is the best, and I firmly believe he will bounce back soon. Every player faces tough phases, and he’s no exception.’
Hasan, who has often been at the receiving end of online trolling, shrugged off the negative comments with maturity. ‘I’ve learned to ignore the noise on social media. It doesn’t affect me anymore,’ he remarked, showcasing his mental resilience amid the scrutiny surrounding Pakistan cricket.
On the field, Hasan delivered a standout performance for the Karachi Kings in the match against Lahore Qalandars, claiming an impressive 4 wickets for 28 runs. Despite his heroics, Karachi Kings suffered a heavy defeat, highlighting the team’s broader struggles in the tournament. Hasan’s bowling spell, however, reminded fans of his ability to turn games with his fiery pace and unrelenting spirit, qualities that have made him a key figure in Pakistan’s bowling attack over the years.
This isn’t the first instance of Hasan vocally supporting Babar Azam, who stepped down as Pakistan’s all-format captain following a disappointing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 campaign. Last year, Hasan had passionately declared, ‘He is my king, the king of Pakistan cricket. I know people might troll me again for saying this, but Babar is undeniably the best batsman Pakistan has produced, and his records speak for themselves.’ Babar, with over 5,000 runs in ODIs at an average of nearly 57 and 19 international centuries, remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s batting lineup, despite his recent dip in form.
As Pakistan cricket navigates a transitional phase, with emerging talents and seasoned players like Hasan and Babar under the spotlight, the camaraderie and mutual respect within the team remain evident. Hasan’s apology, coupled with his unwavering support for Babar, underscores the unity that could be pivotal for Pakistan’s resurgence in international cricket. With the PSL 2024 in full swing, fans will be eager to see both players silencing their critics with match-winning performances in the coming matches.