Pakistani cricket star Babar Azam is reportedly dealing with personal issues that could be impacting his performance in the Big Bash League (BBL), according to journalist Shahid Hashmi.
Speaking in a recent interview on a YouTube channel, Hashmi made claims about Babar’s private life and suggested that family pressure regarding marriage may be affecting him mentally.
“He has some problems—maybe mental, maybe family-related—because we’ve been hearing a lot of stories that his marriage is very much on the cards,” Hashmi said. “His father and mother want him to marry his cousin, but he wants to marry someone else.”
Hashmi added that if these reports are true, the situation could be causing stress and affecting Babar’s focus at the crease. He pointed out that Babar has been getting out to poor shot selection rather than quality bowling.
“If these rumors are to be believed, then maybe this issue is causing mental stress. That’s why he isn’t getting out to good deliveries or good bowlers—he’s getting out by playing loose shots,” Hashmi explained.
He also referenced Babar’s dismissals in recent tournaments, including international matches and the 2023 World Cup, claiming a similar pattern has continued in the BBL. Hashmi cited Babar’s recent dismissal against Tom Curran, where he was reportedly trapped cleverly and dismissed for a low score.
Hashmi expressed hope that Sydney Sixers coach Greg Shippard could help Babar regain confidence and improve his performance. He recalled Babar’s successful time with Somerset in the Vitality Blast in 2019 and 2020, when he was encouraged to increase his strike rate significantly.
“He needs a good coach,” Hashmi said, adding that coach Mike Hesson had previously stated that the BBL could be a good opportunity for Babar to regain form and confidence.
However, Hashmi also suggested that outside pressure may have disrupted the plan, saying Babar was included in a series against South Africa due to external noise. While Babar played a few decent innings, Hashmi claimed his overall form still hasn’t been convincing.
Currently, Babar Azam is playing for the Sydney Sixers in the BBL. So far, he has scored 129 runs in five matches, including two half-centuries, with an average of 32.25 and a strike rate of 117.27.
