- By Himanshu Badola
- Mon, 03 Jun 2024 06:40 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
T20 World Cup 2024: Ahead of Pakistan's first match in the T20 World Cup 2024 against the USA, their skipper Babar Azam is at the top of the headlines again after a video clip from their recent training session went viral.
In the video, Babar can be heard calling out Azam Khan and using the term "Gainda" (rhinoceros) and he has found himself in hot water for allegedly fat-shaming his teammate.
The youngster didn't react much to the comment by his captain, but other teammates laughed at him.
Azam Khan received massive backlash following his poor performances in the recently concluded T20I series against England.
The young wicketkeeper-batter has often been subjected to fat-shaming for his physique.
Despite being unfit, Azam Khan was included in the playing XI for the T20I series against England which Pakistan lost 0-2.
Pakistan is all set to kick off their campaign in the marquee tournament which is being played in the West Indies and the USA. Their first match against the USA will be played in Dallas on June 6.
Talking about Azam Khan, things haven't been easy for him ever since he made his Pakistan debut as he was bashed with a tag of nepotism due to the fact that he is the son of former Pakistan skipper Moin Khan.
His struggles with gloves behind the wickets and recent poor performances with the bat have only added to his and the Pakistan team's concerns.
Babar Azam's remarks about Azam Khan didn't go well among the fans who took hard on him citing his lack of professionalism despite being the captain of the side.
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 is too bad. Shouldn't be doing this.
— Mayra (@BobbaAgenda) June 3, 2024
Do you think BODY SHAMING is funny ???
— Shailesh Rathore (@imsrathore_03) June 3, 2024
Azam Khan should not have been selected for others to make fun of his body shape; better not to select him
— Anirban (@Anirban37699026) June 3, 2024
On the other hand, a few former Pakistani players also have questioned Azam Khan's fitness.
"He has to lose weight, and that has to be done on a personal level. He has to improve his diet. But if he does not want to lose 10 kg for his country, then how will it work out? There is a lot of difference between international cricket and league cricket," said former Pakistan captain and opener Salman Butt.
Another former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi slammed Azam Khan's selection, saying that he won't even allow the youngster near the team.
"Mai kabhi bhi Azam Khan ko fitness pe team ke kareeb nahi aane dunga (I won't let him come even near to the team based on fitness), Afridi had said.
