Reports: Babar Azam considering leaving Karachi Kings ahead of PSL 2022

One of the finest batsmen going around, Babar Azam has indeed been a run machine in the past few years. Regardless of the format or condition, Azam scored runs and shattered a plethora of records. Besides international cricket, the right-handed batter has also proved his mettle in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Azam has been a vital cog of Karachi Kings ever since joining the franchise ahead of the 2017 season.

The talismanic batter was even instrumental in taking the side to the playoffs this year. However, the latest development suggests that Babar Azam is considering leaving the team ahead of the 2022 season.  Babar is reportedly unhappy with the franchise due to financial issues and concerns over the player’s image. Hence, one might see the 26-year-old representing a different team next season.

Babar Azam is not happy with Karachi Kings

The major report was carried out by Cricket Pakistan. It is also learnt that Azam is unhappy with the fact that his personal issues was highlighted frequently by a media house having close ties with team owners. While Babar has reportedly made up his mind about leaving the Kings, the franchise is not keen to let him go.

After all, Azam is one of the finest Pakistan cricketers going around and also the captain of the national team. However, if the two parties don’t reach a common solution, the prolific would part ways with the Imad Wasim-led side. Notably, Faisal Mirza, Karachi Kings’ Media Manager, had denied the reports of any rift between Azam and franchise owners.

For the unversed, Azam ended ties with Islamabad United after playing two matches for the franchise in the inaugural PSL season in 2016. The batter then joined Karachi Kings and didn’t look back after that. Azam made a significant mark in his very first season with the franchise, scoring 291 runs. Continuing his sensational run, Azam scored 402 and 335 runs in the next two seasons respectively.

Babar was even instrumental in guiding Kings to their maiden title in 2020. He scored 473 runs in the season, earning the Player-of-the-tournament award. Although the Karachi-based side couldn’t defend their title in 2021, Azam was the leading run-scorer of the season with 554 runs.