A short clip of Babar Azam interacting with presumably a fan has raised questions among Pakistan cricket supporters after the Test captain was asked if his health was good.
Babar replied, “Yes, it’s okay.” But it was not necessarily the words that caught people’s attention.
His pensive face and tone raised doubts that the Pakistan captain might be having greater problems than he is willing to admit to the public.
Of course, no one can say that Babar is having any mental health problems and a little video cannot be used to determine someone’s mental or emotional state.
However, the timing of the exchange makes it very interesting.
Read more: ‘Embarrassing’: Fans react to Babar Azam’s six-run knock against England
During Pakistan’s woeful Test record in England, Babar has come under tremendous pressure.
The Pakistan team was dealt heavy blows in the first Test, losing by an innings and 103 runs, and again in the second Test, as they were bowled out a number of times at Lord’s and lost the match by 194 runs.
But it’s been harder for Babar himself. He rejoined the Test team for his first away game after missing the first match due to a hand injury and has only scored 14 runs in two innings.
The captain is under pressure on several fronts: his own form, Pakistan’s performance, his leadership and the public opinion he has to deal with for being one of the country’s most popular sports personalities.
It’s hard to say if it’s just a tired or serious moment, or if it’s the weight that Babar is wearing.
What is certain is that even a couple of seconds of Babar’s face now raises questions as to what may be going on behind the scenes as Pakistan cricket is in shambles.
Also read: Babar Azam opens up on Pakistan’s Lord’s collapse