Former Pakistani cricketer Salman Butt reacted to Hassan Ali losing his cool at a journalist after the conclusion of the PSL 2022 draft, hoping that the pacer doesn’t repeat it in future.
Hassan Ali, who was retained by Islamabad United under the platinum category ahead of the PSL 2022, while addressing a press conference after PSL 7 draft lashed out at the reporter.
As the reporter asked his question, Hassan Ali stopped him midway and responded with "next question please". The pacer then engaged in verbal banter with him and told the individual to not get personal as they have the right to stop them from asking questions.
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He further added that: “First you write good things on Twitter, and then I’ll give answers. Ok? You shouldn’t be personal with anyone. As PCB (Pakistan Cricket Board) can’t stop you (from asking questions), at least we have the right,” Hasan Ali said.
Reacting to Hassan Ali’s behaviour, Salman Butt hoped that the pacer doesn’t repeat it. He pointed out that he could’ve heard the entire question and then should’ve said ‘no comments’ as that would’ve meant the next person can ask the question.
“I hope he doesn't repeat it. It is very simple - asking questions is a journalist’s right, and you cannot deny him that. He should have heard the entire question and said 'no comments'. He had the right to do that. If he would have said ‘no comments’, it would have meant that the next person can ask the question,” Salman Butt said in a video posted on his YouTube channel.
Butt remarked that stopping someone in midst of asking a question is in bad taste. He suggested that Hasan Ali and that reporter should speak to each other and try to sort the things out as both will continue their jobs for a long time.
"When you interrupt someone between a question, it is in bad taste. Whatever the problem was, they should speak to each other and try and sort it out. Hasan has to play cricket and attend press conferences and the same person and other media people have to ask questions," he said.
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Salman Butt further said while he isn't condoning Hasan's act, he is a human who made a mistake. The former captain remarked that it was the team manager and his teammates' responsibility to step in and prevent the situation.
"Hasan is a fast bowler by nature and aggressive. At times, because of some other things playing in your mind, you get over-aggressive. He is human and made a mistake. I am not endorsing him, but this is why we have managers, to manage people. Had the others around him stepped in, the situation could have been avoided," he said.
