LPL 2023: Babar Azam's fanboy grabs attention with loud cheers in tournament opener

The fourth edition of the Lanka Premier League (LPL) kick-started with defending champions Jaffna Kings (JK) and Colombo Stars (CS) taking on each other at the R Premadasa International Cricket Stadium in Colombo on Sunday, July 30.

The match was Pakistan captain Babar Azam’s first in the LPL. The 28-year-old is representing the Colombo Strikers in the LPL led by Niroshan Dickwella. Wherever he plays, Babar attracts the crowd with his captivating presence on the pitch. In a heartwarming incident, a sea of spectators, who showed up to watch the Pakistani cricketer's debut in the LPL was seen chanting for him. A video of the fans' chanting and cheering for Azam was captured on camera, and it is now going viral on social media.

Watch the video:

Jaffna Kings beat Colombo Strikers by 21 runs in LPL 2023 opener

Colombo Strikers skipper Niroshan Dickwella won the toss and invited Jaffna Kings to bat first. Courtesy of Towhid Hridoy’s half-century the Kings posted a tagret of 174 runs for Colombo Strikers. He smashed 54 off 39 deliveries including four boundaries and one maximum. For the strikers, Naseem Shah, Matheesha Pathirana, Chamika Karunaratne, and Lakshan Sandakan picked up one wicket each.

Dickwella led his side from the front with a 58-run knock off 34 deliveries, including nine fours and one six. However, the skipper’s half-century went in vain as they were restricted to 152 in the final over with two balls remaining. 

Hardus Viljoen was instrumental for the Kings, claiming a three-wicket haul. Meanwhile, Dilshan Madushanka and Vijayakanth Viyaskanth picked up two wickets each and captain Thisara Perera grabbed one for Jaffna Kings. 

Two LPL matches will be contested on July 31 as Galle Gladiators will take on Dambulla Giants in the first encounter while Kandy Falcons and Colombo Strikers will lock horns in the second match.