Babar Azam during a net session | PC- AFP
Fans make cricket and cricketers so massive in this sport, and the Pakistani fans are no different. However, sometimes fans cross boundaries for their beloved player or team.
In this day and age, Babar Azam is regarded as one of the biggest cricketers in Pakistan. Meanwhile, his contemporary, Azam Khan, has called out his fans and their behaviour while defending the star batter.
Azam Khan labels Babar Azam’s fan base ‘Toxic’
Speaking on the Backwards Point Cricket Podcast, Azam Khan openly criticised Babar Azam's fan base. The upcoming batter called out the fans, stating that some Pakistan cricketers have an ignorant fan base, while he called Babar’s fans toxic.
“Our cricketers have an ignorant fan base. Of course, there is nothing wrong with Babar or his game, but his fan base is very toxic,” Azam Khan said.
His outspoken nature has made him a polarising figure among cricket fans, with several supporters taking offence at his remarks and resorting to personal attacks and name-calling. However, the wicketkeeper-batter has continued to speak his mind, seemingly unfazed by the backlash.
His latest comments have once again sparked a conversation around the fan culture surrounding Pakistan cricket, particularly the intense support for Babar Azam.
'T20 superstar' Azam Khan yet to set stage on fire for Pakistan
Nevertheless, Azam Khan shares a great rapport with Babar Azam, under whom he has played nine T20Is, including being part of the squad for the 2024 T20 World Cup, where he featured against the USA.
That said, the power-packed batter has been out of the picture for the national team.
Although Azam has yet to prove himself at the international stage, the gung-ho batter is a renowned star in franchise leagues across the globe, such as the PSL and CPL, and a fan favourite.
Known for his finishing skills and killer intent against spin, Azam is massively backed at home by many. However, fitness standards are what hold the 28-year-old back.
Nevertheless, after 199 T20s, the swashbuckling batter has racked up 3722 runs at a whopping strike rate of 146.07, featuring one century and 17 half-centuries.
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