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July 7, 2025

Chris Woakes clarifies “King Babar” remark regarding Wiaan Mulder

Chris Woakes clarifies “King Babar” remark regarding Wiaan Mulder
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England fast bowler Chris Woakes has officially cleared the air over his viral “King Babar” comment made under a Wiaan Mulder Instagram post, confirming it was meant as light-hearted banter—not a dig at Pakistani star Babar Azam.

Woakes, speaking during a YouTube podcast with teammate Moeen Ali, explained: “I played with Wiaan in the South African league… After that, Pakistani fans got emotional and began teasing Mulder by calling him ‘King Babar’… When I commented ‘King Babar’ on one of Wiaan’s Instagram photos, it was all in good fun.”.

He emphasized clearly: “I didn’t mean anything against Babar. The comment was meant in jest, but fans misinterpreted it as a dig at their captain.”

Woakes noted that the nickname originated from post-Test social media banter: Mulder and Babar clashed briefly after a delivery in South Africa, leading Pakistani fans to cheekily crown Mulder as “King Babar.” Woakes and Mulder simply embraced it as an inside joke shared in the dressing room—only for it to attract misinterpretation when it went public.

Woakes’ public clarification underscores how quickly casual interactions can become sensitive in a global fan context. His personal statement and apology reflect sportsmanship and respect toward international cricket culture.

Chris Woakes has made it clear there was no hidden insult in the “King Babar” remark—it was friendly fun between colleagues. While the joke hit a nerve with some fans, Woakes’ candid explanation and apology aim to defuse misunderstanding and respect cricket’s international spirit.


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