'Surprise Gift': Babar Azam Trolled As PAK vs ENG 2nd Test Gets Underway On His 30th Birthday

With former Pakistan captain Babar Azam celebrating his 30th birthday on October 15 (Tuesday), netizens have trolled him for being dropped for the ongoing 2nd Test against England in Multan. Babar, who turned 30, proved to be one of the casualties of Pakistan's historic innings defeat to England in the first Test of the series.

The former Pakistan skipper managed only 35 runs in the opening Test on what was considered to be an excellent batting track in Multan. He has now gone without registering a half-century in 18 Test innings and is out of the remaining two matches against England. Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah were other notable exclusions from the squad as the hosts aim to square the series.

It’s concerning to hear suggestions about dropping Babar Azam. India didn’t bench Virat Kohli during his rough stretch between 2020 and 2023, when he averaged 19.33, 28.21, and 26.50, respectively. If we are considering sidelining our premier batsman, arguably the best Pakistan…

— Fakhar Zaman (@FakharZamanLive) October 13, 2024

With Babar's axing dividing the fans and experts, Pakistan assistant coach Azhar Mahmood asserted that the Lahore-born cricketer has been rested, with the national men's team facing a packed schedule in the following months. Mahmood had also stated that there is no doubt about Babar's technique and ability.

Here's how a section of netizens have reacted to Babar Azam's birthday:

That's why he's king 😂

— Anshuman (@Giifguy) October 15, 2024

🤡🤡🤡

— Pushkar Risbud (@pushkar_risbud) October 15, 2024

So that he can have birthday party

— LK (@lklogyofficial) October 15, 2024

PCB has already cut the cake 😭😂

— Innings Insight 🏏 (@InningsDeepDive) October 15, 2024

Surprise gift for him 😂😂

— Shubham Lashkan (@shubhamlashkan) October 15, 2024

Isase acha gift kya ho sakta hai birthday ke din aaram se Beth ke match dekho

— Akshat (@7th__string) October 15, 2024

best birthday gift

— R𝕏 (@twitrboyy__) October 15, 2024

pic.twitter.com/p4jOVLv7fi

— Out Of Context Cricket (@GemsOfCricket) October 15, 2024

Getting dropped on your birthday.

Babar Azam for you 😂😂😂

— chottubeem (@ryder68469247) October 15, 2024