Simon Doull Recalls His Experience Staying in Pakistan

Earlier last month, Simon Doull received a lot of backlash from Babar Azam fans. Simon Doull was in the commentary box when Babar Azam hit a century versus Quetta Gladiators in the Pakistan Super League. As an expert in the game, he called out Azam for slowing down in the middle to reach his “personal milestone”. This did not go well with the fans and hence they were angry.

In a recent discussion with a news firm, Simon Doull opened up on his experience of staying in Pakistan during that period. He recalled that it was extremely difficult for him to step out of his hotel as fans would wait for him outside. Simon Doull had earlier shared on social media a comment from an angry Babar Azam fan and had explained that it was nothing personal but a part of his job.

Living in Pakistan is like living in jail: Simon Doull

“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,” Simon Doull had said when Babar Azam was batting. Now, speaking to Geo News, he said, “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.”

Irrespective of the experience, this has not stopped Simon Doull from pointing out the mistakes of the players. During the ongoing India Premier League, he even criticized Virat Kohli for slowing down to complete his half-century in the Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Kolkata Knight Riders match. Talking about Pakistan, the team will commence a new series starting April 14. The team will play 5 T20Is and as many ODIs against New Zealand. So far for New Zealand’s tour of Pakistan, the home team has just won 1 ODI out of 3 played earlier this year.