A viral video from the Pakistani TV show Haarna Mana Hai on Geo News has sparked massive controversy ahead of the India-Pakistan T20 World Cup clash. Former stars Ahmed Shehzad, Mohammad Amir, and Rashid Latif were seen mocking Pakistan’s premier batter, Babar Azam, questioning his ability to perform in high-stakes matches and his scoring rate.
The ridicule reached a peak when the panel began placing outlandish “bets” on Babar’s performance for the upcoming Sunday showdown.
The “Live TV” Bets
During the show hosted by Tabish Hashmi, the former cricketers made several sarcastic promises contingent on Babar playing a match-winning innings:
- The Dinner Bet: Ahmed Shehzad claimed he would provide a full feast for the entire studio audience and support staff if Babar led Pakistan to a win against India. “The crowd coordinator won’t have to get food that day. The whole team will get food,” Shehzad joked.
- The “Un-retirement” Bet: The host suggested that if Babar scores at a strike rate of 160+ and secures a victory, Mohammad Amir should take back his retirement. Shehzad countered by lowering the bar slightly to a 50+ score at a 150 strike rate for the bets to be valid, which Amir jokingly agreed to.
- The “Short Stay” Quip: Rashid Latif provided the biggest laugh of the night when he dryly remarked, “He does not even bat that long anyway,” implying Babar would get out before reaching those milestones.
Babar Azam’s T20I Stats vs. India
The criticism stems from Babar’s historically modest returns against the arch-rivals:
- Total Runs: 105 in 5 innings.
- Average: 26.25.
- Strike Rate: 128.00.
- Context: In the 2026 World Cup so far, Babar has struggled for rhythm, scoring a slow 15 off 18 against the Netherlands and a more stable 46 off 32 against the USA.
Fan Reaction & Outrage
The segment has deeply divided fans. While some agree that Babar’s strike rate is a concern in modern T20 cricket, many have slammed the former players for “toxic behavior” and “bullying” the national captain just days before the biggest game of the year. Critics argue that such public mockery creates unnecessary pressure on the team during a major ICC event.