ISLAMABAD: Karachi Kings’ owner Salman Iqbal has finally spoken out about the reasons behind star batter Babar Azam ahead of the 2023 season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
In a recent candid interview, Iqbal revealed that the decision stemmed from a disagreement regarding Babar’s preferred batting position.
“We wanted him to come in at number three, but he wasn’t willing to alter his role. As a result, we had no option but to let him go,” he explained.
Babar, who is widely known for his consistent desire to open the innings, has predominantly played in that position throughout his T20 career, both internationally and in franchise cricket.
Out of 90 PSL innings, he has opened in 76, amassing 3,103 runs at an impressive average of 47.01 and a strike rate of 129.13, including 28 half-centuries and two centuries.
Babar’s opening struggles
However, Babar’s recent performances as an opener have come under scrutiny.
In the ongoing tenth edition of the PSL, he was dismissed for a duck in the opening match against Quetta Gladiators and managed just a single run in the following game against Islamabad United.
His struggles extend beyond the league. Since his 151-run innings against Nepal in August 2023, Babar has failed to register a century in any format.
Even during the tri-nation ODI series involving New Zealand and South Africa, where he opened alongside Fakhar Zaman, his contributions remained modest, with scores of 10, 23, and 29.
Despite his dip in form, the team management continued to back him as an opener during the recently concluded ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.
Nevertheless, Babar was unable to make a significant impact, with his highest score being 64 against New Zealand and only managing 23 against India during the group stage.
