Babar Azam was released by the Karachi Kings before the start of the Pakistan Super League 2023 due to a disagreement over his batting position, revealed Karachi Kings owner Salman Iqbal.

"Mickey Arthur and I requested Babar Azam to bat at the number 3 position for Karachi Kings. But he was not comfortable to do that and that's why we had to release him," Iqbal said via ARY News.

"The management decided to have a complete overhaul of the squad, that's why we let Babar, Imad (Wasim), and (Mohammad) Amir go," explained Iqbal.

Babar Azam was a part of the Karachi Kings from 2017 to 2022. Of his 90 PSL innings, Babar has opened 76 times, amassing 3,103 runs in 78 matches at an impressive average of 47.01 and a strike rate of 129.13. His record includes 28 half-centuries and two centuries.

Babar has begun the ongoing PSL 10 in a poor run of form with scores of a duck in the first match against Quetta Gladiators, followed by just one run against Islamabad United. But he has received support from several quarters including Pakistan fast bowler Hassan Ali.

"We made Babar the king, and we are also bringing him down," he said, adding: "If my words 'the king will deliver' hurt anyone, I apologise. But my stance remains [that] Babar is our best player, and he will bounce back."

However, Pakistan legend Zaheer Abbas has stunningly claimed that the ace batter has an ego problem. "I have this impression that either Babar has an ego issue or is too shy to seek advice from his seniors in overcoming his current situation."

"I vividly recall how former Indian batsman Azharuddin had sought guidance from me on India's tour to Pakistan in 1989-90. He was struggling to find runs and I told him to change his batting grip. That really helped him regain confidence and improve his performance," Abbas concluded.

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from IPL 2025,IPL Orange Cap, IPL Purple Cap, Most Sixes in IPL, Cricket, Sports and around the world.