NEW DELHI: The teenager who breached security at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium to meet his idol, Babar Azam, has been released by police after receiving a warning.

Identified as Ovais, the youngster became an overnight sensation on social media after he was spotted climbing onto the balcony of the Pakistan dressing room on Wednesday. The incident occurred shortly after Pakistan's victory over reigning World Champions South Africa in the first Test.

Ovais' sudden appearance on the dressing room balcony left Pakistan team officials, including head coach Azhar Mahmood, stunned. Mahmood quickly alerted security personnel to intervene, and the youngster was escorted away while he pleaded for a chance to meet Babar Azam on his birthday.

He was later taken to the Gulberg police station for questioning but released after a reprimand after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said it didn't want to file any case against him.

The craze for Babar remains a phenomenan in Pakistan cricket as despite his recent failures his appearance on the field lead to wild cheering and applause from his fans who keep on chanting his name.

On the first day of the first Test against South Africa at the Gaddafi stadium Pakistan captain, Shan Masood’s dismissal was cheered by the crowd as Babar was the next man into bat.

Later a negative remark by commentator, Ramiz Raja on air about Babar also led to widespread trolling of him on social media by Babar fans.

Despite scoring his last Test way century back in December 2023 Babar clearly remains a fan favorite and top brand for Pakistan cricket.

(With PTI Inputs)