Azam Khan recalls threats from Babar Azam fans, hits back at World Cup criticism

Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan has spoken out against toxic fan behaviour in cricket, recalling threats against his family while hitting back at criticism over his fitness and performance during the 2024 T20 World Cup.

Speaking on the Backward Point Podcast, Azam addressed the online abuse faced by cricketers, journalists and analysts, questioning why some fans resort to personal attacks instead of limiting their criticism to performances on the field.

Azam Khan reveals threats against his family over Babar Azam's century

Azam recalled an incident during Pakistan's T20I tour of Ireland in May 2024, when he was batting alongside Babar Azam.

He said he received an abusive Instagram message threatening harm to his parents if he stopped Babar from scoring a century.

According to Azam, the message threatened that his mother would die and his father would develop cancer.

The incident highlighted the extent of online abuse faced by Pakistan cricketers, with some fans taking their reactions beyond the game and targeting players' families.

Azam also pointed out that journalists and cricket analysts face similar hostility on social media when they express opinions that certain supporters disagree with.

Azam Khan hits back at fitness criticism after 2024 T20 World Cup

Azam also addressed the criticism he faced over his fitness and performances during Pakistan's disappointing 2024 T20 World Cup campaign.

Pakistan suffered a shock defeat to the United States before losing to arch-rivals India, failing to chase a target of 120 runs in New York.

Questioning why he was singled out for the team's overall failure, Azam pointed out that he played only one match and faced just one delivery during the tournament.

"In the 2024 World Cup, everything was blamed on me. Dude, I played only one game and faced just one ball. How can you blame me for the entire World Cup?" he said.

Azam Khan questions toxic fan culture

Azam's remarks also highlighted the wider problem of toxic fan behaviour in Pakistan cricket.

While players are expected to face scrutiny over their performances, he questioned the tendency of some supporters to turn cricketing disagreements into personal attacks against players and their families.