Pakistan's leg-spinner Usman Qadir said that he didn't make it to the national team on the basis of friendship with Babar Azam.
Speaking to a local news channel, Usman said former chief selector Misbah-ul-Haq selected him in the national team.
"People often claim that I have been into the team on the basis of friendship - which is wrong. I hereby want to clarify that Babar didn't bring me in Pakistan team. In 2019, when Misbah-ul-Haq was the selector, he brought me into the team," he highlighted.
Usman, who is also the son of legendary spinner late Abdul Qadir, said captain doesn't have the sole authority to bring in players of his choice.
"Everyone must be aware when a player is appointed as a captain for the first time; he really doesn't have any authority. Also, he cannot induct players of his own liking, either," he said.
In conclusion, the leggie said one should not overshadow someone's efforts to make it to the national level.
"It is not fair to blame the other person that their inclusion in the team is based on friendship and not on the basis of their skill or talent," he concluded.
- Usman Qadir