It is very likely that Babar Azam is leaving Karachi Kings before the seventh season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
In addition to financial issues, Babar is concerned with the player’s image. That is why Babar was also absent from one of the team owners’ major promotional activities last season.
Moreover, the right-hander is unhappy about the fact that the owners of the team have a close relationship with a media house at the center of his personal matter.
Why Babar Azam is leaving Karachi Kings ahead of HBL PSL 7?
Babar’s intent to leave the Kings has been made clear, but the franchise doesn’t want to let him go as he is the most popular player in Pakistan cricket right now, as well as the national side’s captain. Babar will represent a new franchise next season if the two parties cannot reach an agreement.
Faisal Mirza, the Karachi Kings’ Media Manager, said that Babar’s relationship with the franchise was harmonious.
Following his two appearances for Islamabad United in the inaugural year of Karachi Kings, Babar moved to the latter.
The second season of the HBL PSL saw him score 291 runs for his team. He also scored 402 and 335 runs in the third and fourth seasons of the league, respectively.
After scoring 473 runs as the top run-scorer, Babar was instrumental in helping the Kings win the HBL PSL title for the first time. A player of the tournament award was given to him as well.
Also in the last edition of the HBL PSL, the Karachi opener was the leading run-scorer with 554 runs.