‘Unwilling to change his role’: Here’s why Karachi Kings ditched Babar Azam

Karachi Kings owner Salman Iqbal has finally opened up about the franchise’s decision to release star batter Babar Azam ahead of the Pakistan Super League’s (PSL) 2023 season. 

In a recent interview, Salman revealed that the decision was taken due to a disagreement over Babar’s preferred batting position. “We wanted him to bat at number three, but he was unwilling to change his role. That's why we were left with no option but to let him go,” he said.

The 30-year-old batter has consistently preferred opening the innings throughout his T20 career — both at the international level and in franchise cricket. He has played the anchor role at the top, setting the momentum for his team. In 90 PSL innings, Babar opened in 76 matches, scoring 3,103 runs at an impressive average of 47.01 and a strike rate of 129.13. His record includes 28 half-centuries and two centuries.

However, despite his strong record, the former national skipper has been under scrutiny due to the longstanding dip in form. Apart from unsatisfactory performance for the national side, Babar has in the ongoing PSL 10 season also struggled as an opener – being dismissed for a duck in the opening match against Quetta Gladiators and managing to score just one run in the following game against Islamabad United.

Since his brilliant 151-run knock against Nepal in August 2023, Babar has also failed to score a century in any format. During the tri-nation ODI series involving New Zealand and South Africa, he was partnered with Fakhar Zaman at the top but could only produce unimpressive scores of 10, 23 and 29 — failing to make an impact.

Despite his struggles, the team management continued to back him as an opener in the recently concluded ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025.  Babar, however, couldn't deliver significant performances, scoring 64 against New Zealand and 23 against India during the group stage.