Pakistan cricket team captain Babar Azam recently found himself at the centre of a social media storm after seemingly body-shaming teammate Azam Khan during their first training session in Dallas on Sunday.
In a viral video that quickly went viral, Babar can be seen allegedly saying, “Yeh Gainda nahi siddha hoya (This rhino hasn’t gotten straight yet)” during a light-hearted football session.
The term ‘Gainda,’ which translates to ‘rhino,’ is often used mockingly to refer to overweight individuals. Babar was instructing Azam to turn and get in line, saying, “siddha ho (get straight).”
Azam Khan’s Recent Struggles
Azam Khan has been under fire for his performance in the last few series. In the recently concluded T20I series against England, he managed to score just 11 runs in the two matches he played. His wicket-keeping skills were also called into question after he dropped a couple of easy catches.
Several former cricketers and fans have questioned Azam Khan’s place in Pakistan’s squad for the T20 World Cup 2024.
Critics argue that his current form and fitness levels do not meet the standards required to represent Pakistan at the international level.
Amidst this backlash, Azam recently deleted all posts from his Instagram account, sparking speculation that this move was in response to the criticism he has been receiving.
A Divided Opinion
The nickname triggered a heated debate on social media. Some fans dismissed it as harmless banter, while others criticized Babar for body-shaming Azam Khan.
Some see it as a typical instance of locker-room banter, something common in sports teams worldwide.
On the other side, there is concern that such comments can be damaging, especially when directed at someone already under intense public scrutiny.
Banter or body-shaming? The debate rages on. What’s clear is that the Pakistan cricket team will need to rally together, supporting each other through thick and thin.
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