Babar Azam made an impressive start to the PSL 2024 season, amassing 171 runs in the first three games, including two fifties. In the third match against Multan Sultans on February 23, the Peshawar Zalmi skipper played a 31-run innings in 26 balls and led his team to a narrow 5-run victory. However, during the match in Multan, the former Pakistan skipper dealt with annoying spectators who provoked him when he was sitting in the dugout.
Babar Azam gets angry over ‘Zimbabar’ chants
In a viral video, some fans can be heard chanting ‘Zimbabar, Zimbabar,’ which irked the Peshawar Zalmi skipper. Furious, Babar Azam picked up a bottle and threatened to throw it at them. However, the fans didn’t stop, and one of them was heard yelling at Babar, ‘Tu Zimbabar hai.
The term ‘Zimbabar’ originated from cricket fans as a means of mocking Babar Azam. He has often been compared to Virat Kohli due to his tally, which is quite similar to the Indian cricketer’s. However, some fans doubt his abilities and believe he can’t perform against top-tier teams. Throughout his career, Pakistan has toured countries like Zimbabwe and Ireland, considered to be of lower standard among Test nations.
This is really unacceptable, Never expected this from Multan fans.. 🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/MgZWQlO8oR
— Nibraz Ramzan (@nibraz88cricket) February 24, 2024
It appears that even Pakistani fans are not impressed with their former skipper’s recent international performances. Babar Azam had a lukewarm World Cup in 2023 in India, scoring 320 runs in 9 matches without reaching a single century. Following the tournament, he was sacked from the captaincy.
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However, Babar Azam has a big opportunity to silence his critics. The 29-year-old batter is all set to play as an opener in the 2024 T20 World Cup scheduled for July. Pakistan will face arch-rival India, as well as Ireland, Canada, and the USA in the group stage.