New Delhi, November 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan has criticised the online behaviour of some Pakistan cricket fans, describing Babar Azam’s fanbase as “toxic” and recalling the abusive messages he received after an international match against Ireland.
Speaking on the Backward Point Cricket Podcast, Azam recalled facing backlash from Babar’s supporters while batting alongside the former Pakistan captain during the Ireland match.
“One of Babar’s fans, I was batting with him (Babar) in Ireland; he was at 75 or something. We needed 40 runs. Somebody commented on my Instagram picture that if you stop Babar’s century, ‘your mom will die and your dad will get cancer.’ Something like that,” Azam said.
“Our cricketers have uneducated fanbases. There’s nothing wrong with Babar and his game. But his fanbase is very toxic. When you see those things, why would you even say that?” he added.
Azam also spoke about the criticism he faced over his fitness following Pakistan’s defeat to India in the 2024 T20 World Cup. He pointed out that he had played only one match in the tournament and faced just one delivery.
“In the 2024 World Cup, everything was blamed on me. Dude, I played only one game and faced just one ball. How can you blame me for the entire World Cup?” he said.
“All your fittest players didn’t do anything either. You couldn’t even chase 120 runs, yet you’re talking about fitness and skills?” he added.
Pakistan had failed to chase a target of 120 against India in the group stage and subsequently suffered an early exit after losing to the USA as well.
Azam has not represented Pakistan since the 2024 T20 World Cup. His last appearance came against the USA, when Pakistan lost in a Super Over. Since then, he has either remained on the sidelines or been away from the national team.
He was recently seen playing for the Mississauga Skyhawks in GT20 Canada, but a return to the Pakistan side remains uncertain.
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