Babar Azam and his team have gathered in Dallas to prepare for their opening match of the T20 World Cup against the host nation, the USA, on Thursday. The Pakistan cricket team is already under intense scrutiny following a disappointing tour of England, where they lost the four-match T20I series 2-0. Adding to the team’s troubles, captain Babar Azam has found himself in the spotlight for an unflattering reason – body shaming his teammate Azam Khan.
A video circulating on social media shows Babar referring to Khan as a ‘Gainda’ (Rhinoceros) during a training session. In the clip, Babar can be heard saying, “Ay gainda [slur for overweight people] nai siddha hoya,” which translates to “This rhino hasn’t straightened out.”
Babar Azam calling “Ay gainda nai siddha hoya” to Azam Khan .
What if he says “Chal be Zimbu” to Babar Azam?#T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/aNNBO6hkGk
— Sir BoiesX (@BoiesX45) June 3, 2024
The video has gone viral, prompting widespread criticism of Babar Azam. Critics have condemned the Pakistan captain for his derogatory comment, arguing that such behavior is unacceptable, especially from a leader.
That’s why the private moments of players shouldn’t be recorded. Even , they were having fun , Azam took it lightly as well
— Adil Ameer Sikandar (@sikandar_ameer) June 3, 2024
That’s their friendship. Babar didn’t abuse him behind the back…your tv channels were making so many personal comments…u should show concern about that..not about a friendly banter
— Rohit Kaul (@rohitkaul23) June 3, 2024
Gainda means Rhino, it is used jokingly or in lighter vein for ages specially among friends, nothing abusive . Body shaming , feminism, queer etc as new after Google , tweeter etc.
— InsiderNews.Com (@Insider1919) June 3, 2024
Will be kicked out from T20 WC squad + Contract termination
— Dhruv Rathee 💎 (@133off86_Hobart) June 4, 2024
This is disgusting, below the belt and outright shambolic. Babar Azam saying that “ay gainda nai siddha hoya” to Azam Khan in practice is an exhibit of everything which is wrong with our society and our team both. As captain you can’t be using such words.https://t.co/h5G0sJHJ37
— Abdullah (@abdullahhammad4) June 3, 2024
This incident has added to the pressure on Babar, who is already dealing with the fallout from the team’s poor performance in England. Despite the controversy, Babar Azam and Azam Khan have shown no public signs of animosity.
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They have often been seen sharing friendly moments, indicating a good personal rapport. An example of their camaraderie was visible during the fourth T20I match against England.
Pakistan suffered a 0-2 defeat in the series, losing the final match by seven wickets at The Oval on May 30. Azam Khan had a particularly tough game, getting out for a duck and missing several crucial catches, which contributed to England’s victory.After the match, Babar Azam made a point to support his struggling teammate. He approached Azam Khan, placed an arm around him, and whispered words of encouragement.
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This gesture was a clear attempt by Babar to boost his wicketkeeper’s morale despite the day’s setbacks. The captain’s effort to uplift his teammate in the face of criticism demonstrates a leadership quality that goes beyond his unfortunate comment, aiming to foster team unity and resilience ahead of their crucial World Cup campaign.
