Sports

Shoaib Akhtar Criticizes Babar Azam, Labels Him a Fraud Following Pakistan’s Defeat to India

Published

1 year ago

February 25, 2025

Renowned Pakistani fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar has launched a fierce critique of Babar Azam, branding the former captain a “fraud.” Veteran all-rounder Mohammed Hafeez didn’t hold back either, calling for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to drop the star batter following yet another lackluster performance.

These comments came during live television discussions immediately after Pakistan faced a disheartening six-wicket defeat to India on Sunday in Dubai, jeopardizing their chances in the ICC Champions Trophy as they now rely on other teams’ outcomes.

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Babar, often compared to Indian cricketing great Virat Kohli and touted for his potential to break numerous batting records, appeared set for greatness early in his career. However, with rising expectations, the 31-year-old has struggled.

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In the match against India, Babar scored only 23 runs off 26 balls, marking Pakistan’s second consecutive defeat in the Champions Trophy. While Babar did manage a fifty in the opening match against New Zealand in Karachi, his slower batting style faced criticism.

“We frequently compare Babar Azam to Virat Kohli. Now ask yourself, who is Virat Kohli’s idol? Sachin Tendulkar, who has scored 100 centuries and is pursuing that legacy,” Akhtar remarked on the show ‘Game On Hai.’

“And who is Babar Azam’s idol? Tuk Tuk (he didn’t name any cricketer). You’ve chosen the wrong role models. Your mindset is flawed. You’ve been a fraud from the start.”

Babar is not Inzamam-ul-Haq.

Hafeez, appearing on the same panel, criticized Babar’s ability to perform in high-stakes matches. He stated that a champion is recognized for shining in pressure situations. While he acknowledged Babar as a “good” player, he pointed out that the 31-year-old has not been able to lead Pakistan to victories in any series in SENA countries.

“Babar Azam is not the true king; that title belongs to Virat Kohli. Look at Kohli’s performances; he has excelled globally. We need performers, not just PR figures. Babar Azam is a good talent, but can you name a single player-of-the-match performance he’s had against India? Why do we remember Shoaib Akhtar’s performances against India? Why is Younis Khan regarded as a major figure in India-Pakistan matches? Shoaib Malik has had significant performances against India as well,” Hafeez remarked.

“Tell me, what has Babar Azam, the best Pakistani talent of the last decade, done in terms of a standout performance against India? Unlike Inzamam-ul-Haq, who won matches for Pakistan under difficult circumstances, Babar has never helped us defeat India. After ten years of play, he has yet to be a player of the series in SENA countries. He has never led Pakistan to victory in Australia or England.”

Thus, Hafeez delivered an unequivocal message to the PCB and the selection committee, urging them to move on from Babar and explore new talent.

“It’s time to reflect. We must recognize that the players we are relying on are not performing, and it’s essential to transition to those waiting in the wings,” he added.

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Sports

Tim David Faces Criticism for Obscene Celebration against Mumbai Indians

Published

1 week ago

May 11, 2026

Namma Kudla

IPL 2026 : In a dramatic IPL 2026 clash, Royal Challengers Bengaluru player Tim David has landed in controversy for allegedly making an obscene gesture after his team’s thrilling win against Mumbai Indians.

The incident took place during the 54th match of the Indian Premier League in Raipur. Batting first, Mumbai Indians scored 167 runs in 20 overs and set a competitive target for RCB.

While chasing the target, Royal Challengers Bengaluru needed 15 runs in the final over. The match went down to the last ball, where RCB required two runs for victory. Rasikh Dar helped the team secure a thrilling win in the final delivery.

Soon after the victory, Tim David, who was in the dugout, was seen allegedly showing his middle finger towards the Mumbai Indians camp during the celebrations. The video of the incident quickly went viral on social media and triggered criticism from cricket fans.

Reports suggest that match officials could take disciplinary action against the Australian batter. Under the ICC Code of Conduct, obscene or offensive gestures are considered a serious offence.

Such behaviour usually falls under Level 1 or Level 2 breaches of the ICC rules. Players found guilty can face fines ranging from 50 percent to 100 percent of their match fees. Demerit points may also be added to their disciplinary record. Repeated offences can even lead to suspension from matches.

Similar incidents have happened in the past as well. In 2012, Virat Kohli was fined 50 percent of his match fee for showing the middle finger to spectators during a match in Sydney.

Cricket is widely known as a “gentleman’s game,” and players are expected to maintain discipline and respect on the field. Tim David’s celebration has now sparked debate among fans and experts about sportsmanship in modern cricket.

Sports

Pooran Super over Call Sparks Criticism

Published

3 weeks ago

April 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Sports: Lucknow Super Giants’ captain Rishabh Pant faced criticism after a failed Super Over decision against Kolkata Knight Riders. LSG sent Nicholas Pooran and Aiden Markram to bat, with Pooran on strike against Sunil Narine.

Pooran was bowled on the first ball, leading to heavy criticism from fans. Many questioned the decision, especially because Narine had earlier troubled Pooran in a past Super Over.

LSG coach Justin Langer defended the move. He said the team trusted Pooran as he has faced Narine many times and has a strong record against him. He added that teams must back their best players even in difficult moments.

Langer also said Pooran is one of the best T20 players in recent years but is currently low on confidence. He assured that the team is working hard to help him regain form

Despite being at the bottom of the table, LSG remains hopeful. Langer said the team will use the break to improve and aim to win their remaining matches.

Sports

King Kohli Creates Two Records in One Match

Published

3 weeks ago

April 25, 2026

Namma Kudla

Bengaluru: Virat Kohli made history in a match at the Chinnaswamy Stadium against Gujarat Titans. He achieved two big records in a single game.

Kohli became the first player in Indian Premier League history to hit 800 boundaries. He now has 807 fours. Shikhar Dhawan is second with 768, followed by David Warner and Rohit Sharma.

He also became the third player to hit 300 sixes in IPL. He reached this mark with his first six in the match. Chris Gayle leads with 357 sixes, while Rohit Sharma has 310.