Mohammad Amir's Fiery Send-off to Babar Azam

In a high-octane clash during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, Quetta Gladiators' pacer Mohammad Amir delivered a fiery performance, dismissing Peshawar Zalmi's captain Babar Azam and celebrating with a passionate gesture that has since gone viral. The incident has reignited discussions about on-field rivalries and sportsmanship in cricket.

• Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

• Result: Quetta Gladiators defeated Peshawar Zalmi by 64 runs

• Key Performers:

  • Mohammad Amir: 1/18

  • Faheem Ashraf: 5/33

  • Babar Azam: 12 runs​

The match was marked by intense competition, with Quetta Gladiators setting a formidable target and their bowlers, led by Amir and Ashraf, dismantling Zalmi's batting lineup.

The rivalry between Mohammad Amir and Babar Azam has been a focal point in PSL 2025. In their previous encounter on April 12, Amir dismissed Babar for a duck, marking Babar's ninth duck in PSL history.

In the April 27 match, Amir once again got the better of Babar. After a bouncer struck Babar's helmet, leading to a concussion test, Amir delivered a sharp inswinger that trapped Babar lbw for 12 runs. The dismissal was upheld upon review, and Amir's subsequent celebration became the talk of the cricketing world.

Babar's dismissal, Amir charged towards the Gladiators' dugout, where team mentor and West Indies legend Viv Richards was seated. Amir gestured animatedly towards Richards, who responded by signaling Amir to remain composed.

Amir's celebration included a "Pushpa-style" chin-rub, mimicking the iconic gesture from the South Indian film, further fueling discussions on social media

• Mohammad Amir: Defended his celebration, stating that such rivalries add entertainment value to T20 cricket. "Whether on the field or social media, these rivalries entertain people, especially in T20s—that’s the main goal," Amir said.

• Viv Richards: Advised Amir to stay calm and focused, emphasizing the importance of composure in the game.​

• Babar Azam: Acknowledged his team's shortcomings, stating, "I think we weren’t quite up to the mark in both batting and bowling. We failed to execute our plans as we should have".

• Head-to-Head in PSL 2025:

  • Amir has dismissed Babar twice in two encounters.

  • Babar has scored a total of 12 runs against Amir this season.​

• Team Standings:

  • Quetta Gladiators: 3rd place with 6 points.

  • Peshawar Zalmi: 4th place with 4 points.

Mohammad Amir's fiery send-off to Babar Azam has added a new chapter to their ongoing rivalry, captivating fans and sparking debates on sportsmanship and competitive spirit. As PSL 2025 progresses, all eyes will be on these two cricketing stalwarts, eagerly anticipating their next face-off.