When Mohammad Hasan Ali, vice‑captain of Karachi Kings stepped up to the microphone after a 65‑run loss on March 24, 2025, he did something surprising: he apologized for the viral phrase ‘King Kar Lega’ he had used about former national skipper Babar Azam. The apology came at the PSL 2025 press conference held inside the National Stadium, Karachi, and it instantly ignited a fresh wave of debate among cricket fans across Pakistan and beyond.
Match Recap and Hasan Ali’s Performance
Earlier that evening, Lahore Qalandars set a daunting target of 202/6, thanks to a blistering 201‑run onslaught that featured a quickfire 78 from Fakhar Zaman. The chase for Karachi Kings collapsed within the first over – Australian powerhouse David Warner and England’s James Vince were both dismissed for ducks.
While the top order crumbled, Hasan Ali tried to steady the ship with a brisk 27‑run cameo. More importantly, his bowling spell was a highlight: 4 wickets for just 28 runs in four overs, including the prized scalps of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf. "We lost early wickets, couldn't build partnerships, and the pressure mounted," he admitted later, a candid assessment that set the tone for the press conference.
The ‘King Kar Lega’ Controversy
The phrase in question first popped up during a March 2024 interview, when Hasan Ali declared, "He is my king, he is the king of Pakistan cricket…" The intention, he says, was to celebrate Babar’s stature. Yet fans on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok latched onto the catch‑phrase and turned it into a meme, especially as Babar’s batting averages slipped across formats.
Fast‑forward to the PSL 2025 match: critics began linking the slump directly to the comment, arguing that the pressure of being labeled a "king" had become a mental burden for the batsman. Some even suggested the phrase should belong to India’s “King Kohli”, not Pakistan’s captain. The backlash grew louder after Lahore Qalandars posted a massive total, and Babar’s scores in the league hovered around the low‑30s.
During the press conference, Hasan Ali addressed the uproar head‑on: "If people think saying ‘King Kar Lega’ was a mistake, then I apologise to all fans, including Babar. But my stance remains unchanged – he is still the best batsman of Pakistan and will bounce back soon."
Reactions from Fans and the Cricket Community
Social media erupted. One prominent fan account wrote, "Apology accepted, but stop turning Babar into a meme. Let him play his game." Another user, dripping sarcasm, posted, "Next time, maybe call him a 'Prince' and see if the pressure eases."
Former Pakistani all‑rounder Shahid Afridi weighed in on a live TV show, noting, "Players are human. Words can be powerful, but the real issue is consistency on the field. Babar will find his rhythm." Meanwhile, a few pundits from ESPNcricinfo suggested the controversy highlighted the growing role of social media in influencing player psychology.
Even the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued a brief statement: "We support our players, both on and off the field. Constructive criticism is welcome; personal attacks are not."
Implications for Babar Azam and the PSL
For Babar Azam, the episode is a double‑edged sword. On one side, the heightened attention could serve as a motivational spark; on the other, the added scrutiny may intensify the pressure he already feels. Sports psychologists say that labeling a player a "king" can create a self‑fulfilling prophecy—either boosting confidence or magnifying fear of failure.
From a league perspective, the controversy has inadvertently boosted viewership. The PSL’s YouTube highlights for the match recorded a 22% spike compared with the previous game, signaling that drama off the field can translate into ratings on the field.
Financially, sponsors are watching. HBL, the title sponsor of PSL 2025, released a short video emphasizing "sportsmanship and respect"—a subtle nod to the ongoing debate.
What Lies Ahead for Karachi Kings
The next fixture for the struggling side comes on March 26, 2025, when they travel to Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore to face Islamabad United. Head coach Gohar Nadeem hinted during a press briefing that the team will focus on "building solid partnerships" and "giving Hasan the freedom to bowl his brand of fast cricket."
Ownership matters too. The franchise is backed by the Arif Habib Group, which has pledged an additional $2.3 million for player development and mental‑health resources—an acknowledgment that the modern game demands more than just physical skill.
Whether the Kings can convert individual brilliance into a winning total remains to be seen. What’s clear is that Hasan Ali will likely keep voicing his support for Babar, reinforcing the idea that teammates stand together, regardless of the noise.
Background on the PSL and Karachi Kings
The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2025, now in its tenth edition, features six franchises: Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Peshawar Zalmi, Islamabad United, Quetta Gladiators, and Multan Sultans. Since its inception in 2016, the league has grown into a marquee event, drawing average stadium attendances of 15,000 and broadcasting rights worth over $70 million.
Karachi Kings, established in 2015, won the inaugural PSL title in 2016 but have struggled to replicate that success in recent seasons. Their last playoff appearance came in 2022. The franchise’s most iconic moment remains the 2021 final, when they clinched a dramatic victory off the final over.
Fast‑bowler Hasan Ali joined the Kings in 2020 and quickly became a fan favourite, not just for his stints of 4‑5 wicket hauls, but also for his charismatic on‑field demeanor.
- Key fact: Hasan Ali took 4/28 in the 65‑run loss to Lahore Qalandars.
- Key fact: The controversial phrase "King Kar Lega" first appeared in March 2024.
- Key fact: PSL 2025 viewership jumped 22% after the controversy.
- Key fact: Karachi Kings' next match is on March 26 at Gaddafi Stadium.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Hasan Ali feel the need to apologise for the "King Kar Lega" comment?
The phrase had become a meme that many fans linked to Babar Azam’s slump. Hasan wanted to acknowledge the backlash, show respect for Babar and the supporters, and clear any misunderstanding while still affirming his belief in Babar’s abilities.
How did the controversy affect the PSL’s viewership?
Digital analytics indicated a 22% spike in YouTube highlights and a modest rise in live‑stream numbers for the match following the press conference, suggesting that off‑field drama can draw additional eyes to the league.
What is the significance of the phrase "King Kar Lega" in Pakistani cricket culture?
Originally intended as a tribute, the phrase sparked debate because fans traditionally reserve the "king" moniker for Indian legend Virat Kohli. Its viral spread highlighted how social media can reshape player narratives in the sub‑continent.
When and where will Karachi Kings play their next PSL match?
The next game is scheduled for March 26, 2025, at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, where they face Islamabad United.
What steps are being taken to support players' mental health after the incident?
The Arif Habib Group, owners of Karachi Kings, announced an investment of $2.3 million into mental‑wellness programs, including sports psychologists and resilience workshops, acknowledging the growing pressure from social media criticism.