In a recent live broadcast, an Indian anchor referred to Pakistan’s cricket captain, Babar Azam, as ‘Bobzy,’ sparking controversy among cricket enthusiasts. The incident occurred during a discussion of Pakistan’s performance in the Champions Trophy 2025 opener against New Zealand, where Babar’s cautious half-century drew criticism.
During the Cricbuzz segment, the anchor’s use of ‘Bobzy’ seemed to perplex former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag, who responded, “Who is Bobzy?” The anchor’s tone appeared dismissive, leading to backlash from fans who viewed the remark as disrespectful to Babar Azam.
The controversy intensified due to Babar’s performance in the match against New Zealand. Chasing a target of 321, Pakistan fell short, managing only 260 runs. Babar’s 64 runs off 90 balls were criticized for lacking aggression, especially given the required run rate. In contrast, New Zealand’s innings were bolstered by centuries from Will Young (107) and Tom Latham (118*), leading to their 60-run victory.
Fans took to social media to express their displeasure, not only with Babar’s performance but also with the anchor’s remarks. Many felt that the use of ‘Bobzy’ was unprofessional and undermined Babar’s stature in international cricket. The incident has ignited discussions about media responsibility and the importance of respectful commentary.
This isn’t the first time Babar Azam has faced on-air criticism. Previously, former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh made headlines for his humorous yet controversial comparison between Babar and West Indies legend Brian Lara.
As Pakistan prepares for their upcoming matches in the Champions Trophy, the team faces mounting pressure. Their next game is a high-stakes encounter against arch-rivals India on February 23 in Dubai. A victory is crucial for Pakistan to keep their tournament hopes alive. The team and its captain will need to regroup and address both on-field strategies and off-field controversies to focus on their performance.
In conclusion, the recent incident involving the Indian anchor’s reference to Babar Azam as ‘Bobzy’ has sparked significant debate. It highlights the fine line media personalities must tread to maintain professionalism and respect. As the Champions Trophy progresses, all eyes will be on Babar Azam to see how he responds to the criticism and leads his team forward.
