Babar Azam breaks silence on being labelled the 'King'

Former Pakistan skipper Babar Azam has urged his fans to stop calling him "King" following his recent struggles across formats in international cricket. Babar's response came after Pakistan's commanding victory over South Africa in a virtual knockout game of the tri-series on Wednesday, February 12.

The Lahore-born batter was dismissed for 23 by Wiaan Mulder during the match at the National Stadium in Karachi. Pakistan skipper Mohammad Rizwan and vice-captain Salman Ali stitched a record-breaking 261-run partnership. The duo helped the team complete the 353-run chase with one over to spare.

King King Bolna Zara Kam Karein - Babar Azam

Babar Azam requested fans to stop calling him "King" while speaking to reporters after the match. The right-handed batter revealed that he is not a king and wants to focus on his new role and responsibilities.

“Pehli baat toh yeh hai king king bolna zara kam karein. Main koi king nahin hoon. Ab mere liye naye role hain (I want to request to everyone not to call me king. I'm not any king and I want to focus on my new role),” Babar said during an informal press talk.

"Please stop calling me King Shing. I am not King, I am not there yet." - Babar Azam #BabarAzam #BabarAzam𓃵 pic.twitter.com/a0MZAjwO74

— Ahtasham Riaz (@ahtashamriaz22) February 12, 2025

Babar also struggled with the bat in the opening match of the ongoing tri-national series. The former Pakistan skipper was out for just 10 runs. Notably, Pakistan suffered a 78-run loss against New Zealand at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

I Must Forget the Past and Focus on the Present - Babar Azam

The 30-year-old highlighted his commitment to giving his best in every game. Babar said that he will leave past performances behind and treat each match as a fresh challenge.

“I always strive to give my best performance. When you build an innings, you gradually get a better idea of the conditions,” he further elaborated.

“I think about the good innings I have played, and I try to move forward from tough phases. No matter how well I have performed in the past, every upcoming match is a new challenge. I must forget the past and focus on the present.”

I Always Try to Plan Positively for the Coming Days - Babar Azam

Babar Azam stated that he always prepares with a positive mindset for upcoming challenges. He admitted that the opposition also comes with its own game plan. Babar added that winning matches builds confidence, and the team regularly discusses both their strengths and weaknesses to improve.

“I always try to plan positively for the coming days. The opposition also comes with its own strategy. Winning matches boosts confidence, and we discuss both our strengths and weaknesses to improve,” Babar added.

The Mohammad Rizwan-led team will take on New Zealand in the final of the ongoing tri-series on Friday, February 14, at the National Stadium in Karachi. Babar will be aiming to regain his form with the bat ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which is set to begin on February 19.

Also read: Watch: Shubman Gill bamboozled by Adil Rashid's googly after scoring a stunning century in Ahmedabad