Reason for Babar Azam’s Trade Revealed by Karachi Kings Owner

Salman Iqbal, the owner of Karachi Kings, has disclosed the reason for trading star batsman Babar Azam before the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2023 season. Babar Azam represented Karachi Kings from 2017 until 2022.

Iqbal mentioned that the franchise’s choice stemmed from a disagreement regarding Babar’s desired batting position during a recent conversation.

“We wanted him to bat at the number three spot,” Iqbal explained. “However, he wasn’t willing to change his role. Consequently, we were compelled to let him go.”

Throughout his T20 career, both internationally and in franchise cricket, the 30-year-old has consistently favored opening the innings, frequently anchoring the top order and establishing an early advantage.

Babar has opened in 76 of his 90 PSL innings, amassing 3,103 runs in 78 games with an impressive average of 47.01 and a strike rate of 129.13. His record includes 28 half-centuries and a pair of centuries.

His struggles as an opener have persisted in the current PSL 10 season. Babar was removed for a duck in the opening match against Quetta Gladiators and only managed to score one run in the next game against Islamabad United.

The star batter has recently faced criticism for a decline in form, despite his consistent track record. Since his 151-run innings against Nepal in August 2023, he has failed to record a century in any format.

During the tri-nation ODI series involving New Zealand and South Africa, he was also given opening duties alongside Fakhar Zaman, but he failed to impress, scoring 10, 23, and 29.

Despite these difficulties, team management continued to support him as an opener at the recently finished ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025.

However, Babar was unable to have a substantial impact, scoring 64 against New Zealand and 23 against India during the group stage.