Babar Azam's Ad Shoot Mishap Goes Viral Ahead of PSL 2026
As the Pakistan Super League 2026 gears up for its highly anticipated start, all eyes are on star batter and Peshawar Zalmi captain Babar Azam. The cricketer, known for his elegant strokeplay and leadership, has been the focal point of intense media scrutiny and fan adoration during practice sessions and net routines. However, a recent advertisement shoot has unexpectedly thrust him into the spotlight for a different reason, sparking a wave of online trolling.
Viral Video Shows Babar Dropping Catch in Ad Shoot
In the lead-up to Peshawar Zalmi's season opener, Babar Azam participated in a promotional advertisement that required him to execute a diving catch. For safety, two foam mattresses were strategically placed on the ground. As the ball was thrown towards him, Babar dived to his right, landing securely on the mattresses, but failed to hold onto what appeared to be a straightforward catch. The video clip from this shoot quickly spread across social media platforms, where it garnered significant attention and criticism.
Social media users were quick to react with humorous and sarcastic comments. One user remarked, "Even the mattress company knows Babar will drop it... so they put the bed right there!" Another added in Hindi, "Isse gadde rakh kar bhi catch nahi liya ja raha socho agar bina gadde k pakadta to kya hota. shayad ye 1 saal tak khel hi nahi paata," which translates to expressing disbelief that he couldn't catch even with mattresses, questioning his ability to play without them. A third user joked, "Payment nahi milega aab," implying he might not get paid for the ad due to the drop.
PSL 2026 to Be Played Behind Closed Doors
Amidst this viral controversy, the Pakistan Super League 2026 faces a significant change: the entire tournament will be conducted behind closed doors, devoid of live spectators. This decision, mandated by the Pakistan government, stems from ongoing regional geopolitical tensions that have raised security concerns. The absence of fans is expected to strip the league of its trademark electric atmosphere, which has been a hallmark of previous editions.
Babar Azam acknowledged the impact this will have on players, stating, "We will certainly miss the fans in the stadiums and I am sure they will also miss watching the action live. Wherever we play, we receive tremendous support and we will try to play an exciting brand of cricket to make our fans proud while they follow us on television and social media." His comments highlight the emotional connection between players and supporters, emphasizing the challenge of performing without their vocal encouragement.
Babar Focuses on Team Improvements for PSL 2026
Despite the distractions, Babar Azam remains focused on his team's prospects for the upcoming season. Reflecting on Peshawar Zalmi's previous campaign, he noted, "Our bowling lacked consistency last season, but this time we have a strong bowling line-up. Our focus is on executing our plans well and delivering better results." This statement underscores his strategic mindset and determination to address past weaknesses, aiming for a more competitive performance in PSL 2026.
The combination of Babar's viral ad mishap and the unique circumstances of a fan-less tournament sets the stage for an intriguing PSL season. As players adapt to the silent stadiums, the spotlight on Babar Azam will only intensify, with fans and critics alike watching closely to see how he leads Peshawar Zalmi under these challenging conditions.
