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"He Missed the Catch": Babar Azam new ad shoot turns into instant meme material

Originally posted on Crictoday  |  By V.M.Suriya Narayanan  |  Last updated Mar 28, 2026 8:00 AM ET

The 2026 PSL kicked off on Thursday as Lahore Qalandars triumphed over Hyderabad Kingsmen by 69 runs in the opening encounter. Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam will lead Peshawar Zalmi in their first match against Rawalpindi Pindiz on Saturday. During a promotional shoot ahead of the season opener, Babar became the center of social media attention when a clip from the session circulated widely on X.

In the video, Babar attempted a diving catch on the field, with mattresses placed on the ground for safety. Despite the cushioning, he was unable to complete the catch, turning the scene into a humorous moment, which was widely shared online. Supporters responded with memes, jokes, and playful comments on X.

The PSL has introduced a new rule to deal with dew in evening matches. Captains must submit two complete team sheets, including the playing eleven and four substitute fielders, to the match referee before the toss. After the toss, they may select one of the two submitted lineups for the game.

A PCB official explained that the new rule is intended to ensure fair competition, particularly at venues like Lahore and Karachi, where dew can affect play. Earlier, the Pakistan Cricket Board had also implemented a rule in domestic first-class matches eliminating the toss, allowing the visiting captain to decide whether to bat or bowl first.

This article first appeared on Crictoday and was syndicated with permission.

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