What began as a controversial comment on a podcast turned into a heated social media exchange between Azam Siddique, father of Pakistan batting star Babar Azam, and former international cricketer Kamran Akmal. Tensions erupted after Kamran Akmal made strong remarks regarding Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s role in Pakistan’s white-ball squads.Speaking on a podcast, Akmal who is Babar’s cousin through their paternal side supported Pakistan’s T20I coach Mike Hesson’s move to leave both senior players out of the shortest format and took it a step further, suggesting they be phased out of the ODI side as well.“In my opinion, they should now be kept only for Test matches. Maybe after another six months, they should be considered only for Test cricket,” Akmal commented.“After another six months, they should be sidelined from ODIs as well, because Pakistan hardly plays Test matches these days. No one is even talking about Test cricket. But if any real players are made, it is through playing Test cricket.”These statements didn’t sit well with Babar’s father, Azam Siddique, who responded firmly via Instagram. Sharing an old photograph featuring himself, Babar, and Kamran Akmal, he penned a sharply worded caption targeting the former wicketkeeper.He wrote," This is the principle of greatness, eternal Huzoor. Give courage to the rich and dignity to the poor. Have you ever sat on TV and addressed me and told Babar to leave the captaincy. Every time I spit poison. I have worked with Guzar till today. People keep saying that you are brother everywhere. Think about it. Ashfaq Ahmed was right to backbite successful people."He further added, "It is a Turkish proverb that if someone says that I am your brother, tell him that he is Abel. Long live that worthy Pakistan (Note) issued now"Kamran Akmal didn’t take long to respond. Posting a screenshot of Siddique’s comments, he fired back with a message of his own on Instagram, accusing Siddique of crossing a line and spreading false information.“May Allah bless you with even more respect and success. Being silent is not an option every time, especially when false narratives are being spread,” Akmal stated.“I kindly ask you to think twice before speaking or posting about me without facts. May parents have raised us to be never jealous of anyone, and Alhamdulillah, I’ve proudly represented my country and performed with dignity."He concluded his statement with a word of caution for Siddique:“Next time please choose your words more carefully. There are clear boundaries and you’ve crossed them more than once. Stay within your limits.”Akmal also warned against dragging personal agendas into cricket discussions, urging Siddique to preserve his dignity.“Don’t lose your respect by continuing this path. Cricket is about performance and not personal agendas. And if you’re going to hit at someone, be clear. Truth doesn’t hide in shadows. Pakistan always Zindabad.”With Babar’s future under the spotlight and the team undergoing changes under new leadership, the off-field drama has only intensified the attention surrounding one of the nation's well known cricket figure.