Babar Azam gifted special crown by fan, pictures surface

Pakistan's World Cup 2023 campaign ended on a disappointing note as they fell short of making it to the knockout stage. Babar Azam faced severe criticism for his leadership during the tournament, resulting in him being stripped of his captaincy.

However, amidst this turmoil, he found solace in the unwavering support of his fans. In a heartening gesture, one of his followers presented him with a specially crafted crown, symbolizing their enduring support. The images capturing this moment have swiftly circulated across social media platforms, resonating deeply with Azam's fanbase. 

Regarded as the potential 'King of Cricket' among Pakistan's ardent supporters, Babar stands as a strong contender alongside Virat Kohli according to them, due to his consistent run-scoring prowess across various formats. In July 2022, he achieved the milestone of 10,000 runs in his 228th innings, a feat accomplished in four fewer innings compared to Kohli, who reached this landmark in 232 innings.

Following India's triumph over Pakistan at the Narendra Modi Stadium during the World Cup 2023 clash, the former Pakistan skipper shared a jovial moment with Kohli. Kohli presented him with a signed jersey in a lighthearted exchange. However, this gesture stirred criticism from Pakistani media and pundits, aimed at the 29-year-old player.

Forgettable outing for Babar Azam at World Cup 2023

Babar did not have the best of times at the World Cup as the right-handed batter registered four half-centuries in nine matches. Pakistan managed just four victories out of nine, concluding at the fifth spot on the points table. Babar faced severe criticism for the team's lackluster performance under his captaincy. 

A leaked conversation with a PCB official further exacerbated the situation, hinting at underlying tensions. Speculation arose about a strained relationship between Babar and PCB Chairman Zaka Ashraf. Upon returning home post-tournament, Babar relinquished captaincy across all three formats.