T20 World Cup 2021: Babar Azam showcases remarkable sportsmanship, gives lifeline to Shimron Hetmyer in warm-up game

The game of cricket often tests the ethics of teams and players. At times, players are challenged to prioritize sportsmanship ahead of their team’s profit. With stages being so high in professional matches, keeping anything else ahead of winning matches is a rare sight. One such incident took place during the warm-up game between Pakistan and West Indies ahead of their campaigns in the T20 World Cup 2021.

West Indies won the toss and opted to bat at the ICC Academy Ground in Dubai. Pakistan bowlers embraced the challenge as the Caribbean team didn’t get much contribution from the top order. However, Shimron Hetmyer came into bat at number five and played some delightful shots.

Babar Azam gives a lifeline to Shimron Hetmyer

Overall, he scored 28 off 24 deliveries before falling prey to Shaheen Shah Afridi. However, Hetmyer’s stay at the crease would have ended way before had Pakistan skipper Babar Azam not showed a remarkable display of sportsmanship. In the penultimate ball of the 15th over, the dashing batter was adjudged out by the on-field umpire.

Hetmeyer given out.
Says his chain hit his helmet.
Babar calls back Hetmeyer. pic.twitter.com/ZWvZpxzkoO

— . (@Zakr1a) October 18, 2021

It was short delivery from pacer Hasan Ali and Hetmyer couldn’t connect a pull shot. Subsequently, wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan collected the ball, and an appeal for caught behind was followed. The on-field umpire was pleased as he raised his finger. Hetmyer looked absolutely downhearted as he felt there wasn’t any connection between the bat and the ball.

He even signaled that his neck chain had hit the helmet grill and that made a noise. With reviews not being available, the southpaw looked all set to take the long walk back. However, Babar Azam decided to call him back as a goodwill gesture. It has to be noted that Hetmyer was in red-hot form during the recently-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2021.

Hence, Azam’s call could have seen Pakistan bowlers going for cleaners. However, the probable repercussions didn’t stop the Pakistan skipper from calling the batter back. Azam’s gesture soon back a talking point in the cricket world as praises came in from different corners. Meanwhile, the Men in Maroon posted 130/7 while batting first. For Pakistan, the pace trio of Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, and Hasan Ali took two wickets apiece.