Babar Azam's Outburst Over Selfie Request Sparks Controversy

Babar Azam, the captain of the Pakistan Test team, recently faced backlash after losing his temper when fans approached him for selfies during a match. This incident, which went viral on social media, has sparked a debate about his behavior and the security measures in place at cricket events. As Babar returns to domestic cricket after a long hiatus, his performance is under scrutiny, especially following a disappointing series against England. The mixed reactions from fans highlight the challenges faced by athletes in balancing public expectations with personal boundaries. Will this incident affect his upcoming national duties? Read on to find out more.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 1, 2026, 18:27 IST

Babar Azam's Viral Moment During President Trophy Match

Babar Azam, the captain of the Pakistan Test team, recently became a trending topic on social media after an incident during the President Trophy match between Oil & Gas Development Company Limited and State Bank of Pakistan at Diamond Cricket Stadium in Islamabad. The star batter lost his temper when a fan approached him for a selfie.

After a seven-year absence from domestic cricket, Babar made his return in the ongoing President Cup, where he scored 12 and 4 runs against Khan Research Laboratories in Abbottabad, raising concerns about his current form. In his second match against State Bank of Pakistan, he managed to score only 21 runs off 39 balls.

Babar Azam's Frustration Caught on Camera

Before this recent match, Babar's last appearance in domestic cricket was in December 2019, when he led Central Pakistan to victory in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final against Northern in Karachi.

During the match at Diamond Cricket Ground, a video surfaced showing Babar fielding for Oil and Gas Development Company Limited when several fans breached security and rushed onto the field, surrounding him for selfies. This overwhelming situation visibly frustrated Babar, who was seen shoving one fan and throwing another's phone before security intervened.

Public Reaction to Babar Azam's Outburst

The incident has sparked a mixed response on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter). Some fans criticized Babar's reaction as rude and arrogant, while others defended him, suggesting that the repeated security breaches had pushed him to his limits.

Many users pointed out that fans were invading his personal space during crucial moments, including team discussions, and called for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to enhance security measures to prevent such occurrences.

Babar Azam's Performance Under Scrutiny

Babar's performance has been under intense scrutiny, especially following a disappointing showing in the recent England Test series, where he scored only 97 runs across four innings, averaging 24.25. This has led to discussions among cricket analysts about potential changes needed in Pakistan's batting lineup.

As Babar prepares for his return to national duty in the upcoming ODI tri-series against Sri Lanka and England starting October 18, his position in the T20I squad is currently being evaluated by selectors, considering his recent form and team dynamics.