T20 World Cup 2024: 'Mota Hathi' - Provoked Azam Khan Stares at Fan Following Dismissal vs USA

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Azam Khan's troubles on the field and off the field continued on Thursday (June 6) after the Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter was provoked by a fan during the defeat to USA in the Group A match of the T20 World Cup 2024.

2009 champions Pakistan was stunned by USA via Super Over at the Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas, Texas, where one of the fan allegedly called Azam Khan "Mota Hathi" which translates to "fat elephant" when the batter left the field following a golden duck dismissal.

Azam Khan, who has registered three ducks in his last six innings, has faced some serious criticism for his form and fitness from fans as well as some former cricketers, while some in the crowd also poked fun at the wicketkeeper-batter regarding his physical appearance.

Some fans held a hoarding with the caption "Azam Khan't Stop Eating", while one other fan reportedly called the batter a fat elephant, triggering a reaction from Azam Khan, who was on his way back to the dressing room.

The incident happened when Azam Khan was trapped in front of the stumps by USA spinner Nosthusha Kenjige for a first-ball duck in the 13th over of the Pakistan innings. Azam Khan, who was on the way back to the pavillion turned back to give the abusive fan a stare.

This was Azam Khan's second successive duck. Despite his poor run, Pakistan management has given him a little long rope due to his big-hitting ability in the shortest format. However, their patience may soon run out.

Coming back to the match, put into bat, Pakistan could only post 159 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs after losing wickets in quick succession throughout the innings. And after being destined for a loss, the Pakistan bowling pulled back to restrict USA to 159, forcing a Super Over.

In the Super Over, USA posted 18 runs, with seven of those runs coming from wides, while Pakistan fell short by 3 runs in the run chase to suffer a humiliating loss heading into the high-voltage clash against India on Sunday (June 9).