Babar Azam caught in security chaos after fans storm field for selfies

Babar Azam was caught in an extraordinary security breach during a President’s Trophy Grade-I match in Islamabad after spectators repeatedly entered the playing area to seek selfies with the Pakistan batter.

Azam was fielding for Oil and Gas Development Company Limited against State Bank of Pakistan at the Diamond Cricket Ground when several fans approached him with mobile phones. Video circulated on social media appeared to show him pushing one spectator away and signalling for the group to leave.

When another fan moved closer for a selfie, Azam took the spectator’s phone and threw it away before again asking the spectators to get off the field. The episode raised immediate concerns over crowd control, with reports indicating that fans had breached the playing area multiple times during his return to domestic cricket.

More trouble after dismissal

The situation intensified after Azam was dismissed for 21 from 39 balls. Several spectators rushed towards him as he walked back to the pavilion, surrounding the batter and forcing ground staff to intervene and escort him away from the crowd.

Islamabad Police subsequently increased security at the ground in an effort to control the gathering and prevent further incursions.

Azam’s return to first-class cricket after a seven-year absence has drawn unusually large crowds. The batter had also endured a difficult outing in his previous President’s Trophy fixture against Khan Research Laboratories, recording scores of 12 and four.