Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq has voiced his support for teammate and close friend Babar Azam following an incident where the star batter was heckled by fans during the last T20I against Australia, which gained widespread attention on social media.
The incident occurred at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where Pakistan suffered a 3-0 whitewash in the T20I series. While fielding near the boundary, Babar became the target of hostile spectators who hurled taunts like, “Oi, oi, have some shame! You don’t even deserve a spot in the T20 team. Go back to Lahore!” Despite the aggressive remarks, the 30-year-old former captain remained composed, briefly glancing at the crowd but avoiding engagement with the hecklers. The video of the exchange sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with fans and players divided over the treatment of Pakistan’s premier batsman.
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Imam, known for his close relationship with Babar, took to Instagram to defend his captain. Sharing the viral video, Imam expressed his disappointment, writing, “We have failed as a nation when mocking replaces support. You are still a champion, Bobs.” His post quickly gained traction, with fans and cricketing personalities showing their solidarity with Babar during a challenging period in his career.
The incident follows a mixed series for Pakistan in Australia. While the team celebrated breaking a 22-year losing streak by winning the ODI series, their joy was overshadowed by their poor performance in the T20Is. Babar, in particular, faced heavy criticism for his subpar performances in the T20 format, intensifying scrutiny over his leadership and future in the squad.
As one of Pakistan’s most celebrated cricketers, Babar Azam has long been a key figure in the team across all formats. However, the recent T20 series highlighted his vulnerabilities, and with mounting public expectations, the incident at the SCG serves as a reminder of the fine line between passionate fandom and hostility.
