When Babar Azam’s Audi e-Tron Gift Sparked Match-Fixing Rumours After T20 World Cup Exit

Babar Azam [Source: @PZ_CFCFan/x.com]

Pakistan walked into a proper do-or-die clash against Sri Lanka in the Super Eights of the T20 World Cup 2026 on Saturday. The equation is crystal clear: go big and win by at least 64 runs. Only then can they leapfrog New Zealand on Net Run Rate and sneak into the semi-finals.

And in the middle of this high-voltage drama, the biggest headline? Babar Azam has been dropped. The former captain, once the poster boy of Pakistan cricket, is sitting out on the biggest night of the tournament. But this isn’t the first time Babar has found himself at the centre of a storm.

Babar Azam’s name was linked to match-fixing claims

Let’s rewind the clock to T20 World Cup 2024. Pakistan crashed out in the group stage. For a team that finished runners-up in 2022, it felt like falling from the penthouse to the pavement.

Losses against USA and India left them chasing shadows. Even though they won their last two matches, the damage had already been done.

The criticism was brutal. Former cricketers came hard, administrators did not hold back and fans were fuming. From poor fitness to lack of intent, everything was under the microscope.

And then came the big one: allegations of spot-fixing and match-fixing started floating online. The Pakistan Cricket Board did not stay silent as they termed the accusations “baseless”. But once mud is thrown, it sticks.

Also Read- “Laat Maar Di”: Babar Azam, Saim Ayub Roasted As Pakistan Captain Drops Star Duo vs SL

The Audi controversy that sparked fresh fire

Senior journalist Mubashir Lucman dropped a bombshell in a viral video. He questioned how Babar Azam received a luxury Audi e-Tron GT, reportedly gifted by his elder brother.

Because that was not your regular hatchback. In India, the car costs around INR 2 crore. In Pakistan, it’s even more expensive. Lucman raised eyebrows. He publicly wondered what Babar’s brother does to afford such a gift. Then he hinted at darker whispers doing the rounds.

Cric mate

@Cricknight07

These are serious allegations on Babar Azam from senior journalist Mubashir Luqman. Investigation should be done by PCB. More to come in upcoming days... #WT20_2024

Jun 19, 2024, 7:05 PM

The timing made it worse. Pakistan had just been knocked out early. Emotions were raw. Fans were searching for answers. And Babar, as captain, stood at the front line.

Pakistan’s make or break Night

Coming back to the present, Pakistan need to bat like there is no tomorrow. They must pile on a mountain of runs and defend it like their lives depend on it.

A 64-run win is not a small target. In T20 cricket, that is a landslide. They need early fireworks, middle-over control and death-over carnage.

Without Babar in the XI, the message is loud and clear. Management wants intent, they want aggression and not anchors.

The bigger picture around Babar Azam

Here is the thing about Babar Azam. He has been criticised. He has been questioned. He has been dragged into controversies. But he has also been Pakistan’s most consistent batter across formats for years.

Right now, Babar is not in the XI. But his story is far from over. Because in Pakistan cricket, nothing stays calm for long. It’s either storm or sunshine and sometimes, both at once.

Tonight, Pakistan fight for survival. And somewhere in the shadows, the Babar Azam chapter continues to simmer. The bat may be silent for now but in cricket, form is temporary and comebacks are always one innings away.

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