'Living their is like living in jail' - Simon Doull reveals treatment received in Pakistan after criticizing Babar Azam

Former New Zealand cricketer and renowned commentator Simon Doull recently opened up on the treatment he received in Pakistan after criticizing Peshawar Zalmi skipper Babar Azam during Pakistan Super League 2023. For the uninitiated, Doull criticized Babar for slowing down his innings to score 100 during the match against Quetta Gladiators.

According to the former cricketer, life in Pakistan is like being imprisoned. He recalled being barred from going out to dine as fans gathered outside the hotel to express their rage. He went on to say that it was only by the grace of God that he was able to flee that country.

"Living in Pakistan is like living in jail. I was not allowed to go out as Babar Azam fans were waiting for me. And I stayed without food for many days. Even I was mentally tortured, but by the grace of God, I somehow escaped," Doull told Geo News.

Doull criticised Babar while commentating on the PSL match between Peshawar Zalmi and Quetta Gladiators. The right-handed batter hit 115 off 65 but took 14 balls to reach the three-figure mark from 83. Notably, Peshawar Zalmi lost by eight wickets as the Gladiators chased down the target with 10 balls to spare.

"Rather than putting the team first... the last little while, that's all that been happening. Rather than looking for boundaries, still, so much firepower to come. Hundreds are brilliant, stats are great, but it has to be team first," Doull said while speaking on-air.

Doull also recently criticised Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) batter Virat Kohli for taking 10 balls to reach 50 from 42 against the Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2023. According to the commentator, the former RCB captain seemed worried about his personal achievement. “From 42 to 50, he took 10 balls. He is concerned about his personal milestones. I don’t think there’s room for that in this game anymore," the commentator said.