Babar Azam given 'GOAT' nickname after refusing to accept 'King' title

Pakistan batting maestro Babar Azam recently requested his fans to stop calling him "King" during the ongoing tri-series featuring South Africa and New Zealand. However, renowned commentator Bazid Khan showered praise on Babar during the clash with New Zealand in the ongoing tri-nation series final.

Babar is currently representing Pakistan as an opener in the home ODI tri-series. He recorded scores of 10 off 23 balls against New Zealand and 23 off 19 balls against South Africa in the group stages. His poor form continued in the final as he was dismissed for 29 off 34 balls in Karachi on Friday, February 14.

No Matter Whether He'll Perform or Not - Bazid Khan

During the commentary, Bazid Khan recalled that Babar Azam had asked his fans to stop calling him "King." Bazid then said he’ll call him the GOAT (Greatest of All Time), as he is the biggest superstar in Pakistan.

"Heard Babar has announced to stop calling him king..? I will call him 'GOAT' then. No matter whether he'll perform or not, he's a superstar," Bazid Khan on air as quoted by a user on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Bazid Khan on air: Heard Babar has announced stop calling him king..? I will call him "GOAT" then. No matter whether he'll perform or not he's a superstar. 🥶 #BabarAzam???? #PAKvsNZ pic.twitter.com/2hOJTrKerC

— Nawaz 🇵🇰 (@Rnawaz31888) February 14, 2025

King King Bolna Zara Kam Karein - Babar Azam

After Pakistan's second league-stage match against South Africa, Babar Azam asked fans to stop calling him "King" during an informal press talk. Speaking to reporters, Babar stated that he doesn’t see himself as a king and added that he has new roles and responsibilities now.

“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.

Babar Azam Fails to Deliver in Tri-Series Final vs New Zealand

Pakistan won the toss, and captain Mohammad Rizwan chose to bat first in the tri-series final against New Zealand. However, the Men in Green lost Fakhar Zaman (10) and Saud Shakeel (8) wickets during the first powerplay. Babar Azam and Rizwan then tried to steady the innings after the early setbacks.

Pace-bowling all-rounder Nathan Smith dismissed Babar with a brilliant caught-and-bowled effort. The crowd went silent after the dismissal. He scored 29 runs off 34 balls, including four fours and a six, before being sent back to the pavilion. Pakistan found themselves in trouble at 54/3 in the 12th over.

However, Babar became the joint-fastest player to reach 6000 ODI runs during his knock. The 30-year-old batter achieved this milestone in just 123 innings, equaling South African great Hashim Amla’s long-standing record and surpassing Indian batter Virat Kohli, who reached the mark in 136 innings.

It is worth mentioning that Babar also holds the record for being the fastest to 5000 ODI runs. He achieved it in 97 innings, surpassing Amla’s 101-innings mark.

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