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Kohli Mania! Pakistan Fans Ditch Babar Azam, Chants 'Kohli, RCB' Outside Karachi Stadium

Soumyajit Dutta

Pakistan fans chant Virat Kohli's name outside Karachi Stadium [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]Pakistan fans chant Virat Kohli's name outside Karachi Stadium [Source: @mufaddal_vohra/X.com]

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In an unprecedented scene outside Karachi’s National Stadium ahead of a high-voltage Pakistan-India clash, the air crackled not with the usual patriotic fervour for homegrown heroes but with chants of “Kohli! Kohli!” and “RCB! RCB!” from a sea of Men in Green followers. 

Defying traditional cricketing loyalties, Pakistani fans were seen passionately embracing Indian batting maestro Virat Kohli, even playfully ditching their own “King” Babar Azam in a viral display of cross-border cricketing admiration.

Pakistan Fans Shift Loyalty, Shouts Kohli's Name

Amid the chaos, fans proudly declared their allegiance. One young supporter wearing the RCB jersey, shouted, “Mai hu Virat Kohli!” while another, grinned, “Mai Pakistan se hu magar Virat Kohli ko support karta hu.” The sentiment echoed across the crowd, indicating Kohli’s relentless drive, flair, and charisma as reasons for their fandom. 

While 'King' Babar Azam, Pakistan’s veteran and batting linchpin, retains a massive fanbase, the spontaneous Kohli-mania highlights a growing generational shift. Younger fans, raised on IPL glamour and Kohli’s global superstardom, seem increasingly drawn to his fiery persona over Babar’s. 

It is more of a 'soft power' win for Kohli, whose transcendence of rivalry underscores sport’s unique ability to blur borders. For Pakistan’s fans, however, the chants are less about betrayal and more about celebrating greatness, even if it wears the opponent’s colours.

Champions Trophy Knocking On The Door

Whether this love affair lasts or reverts to rivalry once India and Pakistan meet in Dubai for the February 23 clash, remains to be seen. Meanwhile, both Kohli and Babar Azam are eyeing their peak form ahead of the Champions Trophy. 

Pakistan will begin their Champions Trophy campaign against New Zealand at Karachi on February 19, while India will face Bangladesh in Dubai on the very next day.