In a cricket-obsessed country like Pakistan, few decisions stir debate like a major PSL trade. And when that trade involves Babar Azam, the conversation never really ends.
Now, Karachi Kings owner Salman Iqbal has finally opened up about the real reason behind letting go of Pakistan’s star batter ahead of PSL 2023 — and it wasn’t about money, attitude, or performance. It was about batting position.
Speaking in a candid chat, Salman Iqbal revealed that the franchise had asked Babar to bat at number three, not his usual spot at the top.
“We wanted him to bat at number three,” Iqbal said. “But he was unwilling to change his role. That’s why we were forced to release him.”
Simple as that. No drama. No politics. Just a tactical disagreement.
Babar Azam, throughout his career, has preferred to open — whether for Pakistan, Karachi Kings, or now Peshawar Zalmi. He sees himself as the anchor, someone who sets the platform and builds the innings. And frankly, his numbers back him up.
Babar Azam — the Opener: The Numbers Don’t Lie
In 90 PSL innings, Babar has opened 76 times, scoring 3,103 runs at an average of 47.01 and a strike rate of 129.13. That includes 28 fifties and 2 hundreds.
You can’t argue with those stats. But recent form? That’s a different story.
In PSL 10, he’s had a rough start. A duck against Quetta Gladiators, followed by just 1 run against Islamabad United — it’s not the kind of start a player like Babar wants or expects.
Since his brilliant 151 against Nepal in August 2023, Babar hasn’t scored a single century in any format. That’s surprising for someone who was once considered one of the most consistent batters in world cricket.
He struggled during the tri-nation ODI series against New Zealand and South Africa, putting up scores of 10, 23, and 29. Even in the Champions Trophy 2025, his numbers were below par — 64 against New Zealand and 23 against India.
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