Karachi Kings Owner Reveals Real Reason Behind Babar Azam’s Departure
In a major revelation that clears the air on one of the most controversial moves in PSL history, Karachi Kings owner Salman Iqbal has disclosed the reason behind the franchise’s decision to part ways with star batter Babar Azam before PSL 2023.
Speaking in a candid interview with Waseem Badami, Salman Iqbal stated:
“We wanted him to bat at number three, but he didn’t want to. That’s why we were forced to release him.”
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Strategic Disagreement Led to Babar’s Exit
The comment confirms long-standing speculation that a strategic disagreement—specifically over batting position—led to the split. While Karachi Kings wanted to reshape their top order with a more aggressive powerplay batter, Babar remained firm in his desire to open the innings, a role he has played consistently throughout his T20 career.
Since the inaugural season of the PSL, Babar Azam has preferred the opener’s slot, acting as an anchor who builds the innings from the start. His statistics back this up:
Babar Azam’s PSL Stats as an Opener:
- Innings: 76
- Runs: 3,103
- Average: 47.01
- Strike Rate: 129.13
- 100s/50s: 2/28
- Highest Score: 115
- Fours: 352
Babar had been a mainstay of Karachi Kings for six seasons, even leading them to their maiden PSL title in 2020. His move to Peshawar Zalmi ahead of PSL 2023 sent shockwaves through the cricketing world and signaled the end of an era for the Kings.
Tactical Evolution vs. Traditional Anchoring
Babar’s playing style, while elegant and reliable, has increasingly come under scrutiny in modern T20 cricket. With teams now favoring power hitters who can dominate the powerplay overs, Babar’s measured approach has sparked debate among analysts and fans alike. This is echoed in recent national team decisions, where he was dropped from Pakistan’s T20I squad.
Karachi Kings’ leadership, it seems, was already aligned with this progressive thinking, even before the national setup made its move.
Babar Azam vs. Karachi Kings: Clash of the Titans on April 21
Despite the parting of ways, there appears to be no lingering animosity between Babar and the franchise. However, Salman Iqbal’s latest remarks add extra spice to the upcoming PSL X clash between Peshawar Zalmi and Karachi Kings on April 21st.
Will Babar Azam exact revenge on his former team, or will Karachi’s tactical shift be vindicated on the field? One thing is certain: PSL fans are in for a thriller.
