TOI Sports Desk
The incident occurred ahead of the Pakistan Champions One-Day Cup 2024, where Babar is set to represent Stallions.
In the viral clip, a fan attempted to place his arm around Babar’s shoulder for a selfie, which the cricketer didn’t appreciate.
He promptly removed the fan’s hand but still posed for the picture. This incident has drawn widespread criticism on social media, with fans and pundits questioning Babar’s behaviour.
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Babar Azam, one of the most celebrated cricketers in Pakistan, has a massive fan following worldwide.
It’s not uncommon for admirers to swarm him for pictures wherever he goes. However, this episode highlights the pressures and expectations that come with fame, especially during a challenging phase in his career.
On the field, Babar has been struggling with his form. Pakistan’s recent defeat in a two-Test series against Bangladesh on home soil has only added to the frustration.
Babar’s performances—scoring just 0, 22, 11, and 31 in the series—have seen him drop out of the ICC top 10 rankings for batters for the first time in years.
This dip in form has further intensified scrutiny over his leadership abilities, particularly after Pakistan’s failure to progress beyond the group stage of the T20 World Cup 2024.
With Pakistan set for a three-match Test series against England in October, Babar hopes to regain his form and silence critics.
Babar’s fans will be eagerly watching to see if he can bounce back and lead Pakistan with renewed vigour.