Babar Azam’s one-line tweet amidst leaked ‘private chat’ scandal takes internet by storm

The skipper of Pakistan and perhaps one of cricket’s top batters right now, Babar Azam, is going through a difficult time both on and off the field. To be fair, there aren’t many issues with his batting. After hitting 161 in the two-Test series, he produced two half-centuries in the three-match ODI series against New Zealand. However, Pakistan’s performance is what has diminished Babar’s reputation. Pakistan fell short against New Zealand 1-2 in the ODI series.

They only just managed to squeak out a draw in the Test results, which didn’t go their way either. And this occurred after they suffered a resounding defeat at home against England in the famous Test series. Under Babar Azam’s leadership, Pakistan has lost two and won none of the last three Test series they have played at home against Australia, England, and New Zealand.

The online release of Babar Azam’s allegedly private chats and videos with a woman occurred in the midst of all of this. Babar was charged with “private chat” with the girlfriend of another Pakistan cricketer, promising her a spot in the Pakistani team provided they kept up the conversation.

Cricket is my blood and I watch cricket matches and read about cricket all the time: Misbah-ul-Haq

Although the accusations’ veracity was contested, the leaked screenshots stirred quite a commotion on social media. Many people insisted that the discussions, videos, and audio files were authentic, while others insisted that they were nothing more than an effort to harm Babar Azam’s reputation.

Neither Babar nor the Pakistan Cricket Board has issued an official statement regarding the event, but the legendary right-handed batter didn’t seem to be bothered by the uproar on social media.

The Pakistan captain took to Twitter and Instagram to post his photograph with a one-line caption: “Doesn’t take too much to be happy”. Thousands of followers offered encouragement and urged Babar to maintain his composure in the comments section of the post.

Doesn't take too much to be happy ☺️ pic.twitter.com/udKmZTHl6V

— Babar Azam (@babarazam258) January 16, 2023

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly considering removing Babar Azam as the Test captain after the team’s disappointing red-ball performance under his guidance. Babar Azam’s status in the Pakistan team is “weakened,” according to Misbah-ul-Haq, a former captain of Pakistan and current head coach.

“Cricket is my blood and I watch cricket matches and read about cricket all the time. And from what I see Babar Azam’s position in the team is being weakened,” Misbah told reporters in Lahore on Tuesday.