Introduction
A video showing Shaheen Afridi allegedly mocking Babar Azam during Pakistan’s Test against England has gone viral. Babar, already under pressure for poor form, now faces criticism not only from fans but possibly from within his team. The incident comes as Pakistan struggles against a dominant England side.
Babar Azam’s Struggles in Test Cricket
Babar Azam, considered one of Pakistan’s top batters, is going through a tough phase in Test cricket. His last century came in December 2022, where he scored 161 against New Zealand. Since then, he has failed to reach triple digits. In the ongoing Test against England, Babar scored 30 and 5 in two innings, missing opportunities on a pitch described as a “batting paradise.”
The “Zimbabar” Nickname
Fans have given Babar the nickname “Zimbabar” or “Zimbu,” accusing him of only scoring well against weaker teams like Zimbabwe. This nickname, once a fan trend, now seems to have entered the Pakistan dressing room.
Viral Video: Shaheen Afridi Mocking Babar?
A viral video shows Shaheen Afridi sitting near Babar Azam, mouthing words that some fans believe to be “Zimbu.” With no audio in the clip, speculation has risen that Shaheen might have been mocking his teammate. While this cannot be confirmed, the video has fueled rumors of a growing rift between the two.
Rumors of a Rift
Reports suggest possible tension between Babar and Shaheen, especially after Shaheen lost the captaincy before the 2024 T20 World Cup, with Babar reclaiming the role. However, Babar has since stepped down from the captaincy again, and Pakistan has yet to name his replacement. The viral video has only added to the speculation, but neither player has addressed these rumors publicly.
Pakistan’s Struggle Against England
While internal issues loom, Pakistan is battling England on the field. England declared at 823-7, thanks to Harry Brook’s 317 and Joe Root’s 262. In response, Pakistan collapsed to 152-6, still needing 115 runs to avoid an innings defeat on the final day.
The Bigger Picture
The video and speculation about tensions come at a difficult time for Pakistan cricket. The team has struggled with inconsistency, and leadership changes have added to the uncertainty. Whether or not there is a real rift between Babar and Shaheen, team unity is crucial as Pakistan faces tough challenges ahead.
Conclusion
Shaheen Afridi’s alleged mockery of Babar Azam has ignited debate about internal issues in the Pakistan team. As the team faces a tough series against England, resolving any internal conflicts and focusing on performance will be key to turning things around. Stay updated with the latest from IPL365.
