Babar Azam battles sexual harassment case [Source: AFP]Veteran Pakistan cricketer Babar Azam found himself in legal trouble as a sexual harassment case was filed against him. The 31-year-old batter lost his place from the Pakistan ODI team after the T20 World Cup, with the PCB selection committee ignoring him for the three-match series in Bangladesh. Babar blew hot and cold in the T20 World Cup, where the Pakistani team management slotted him in the middle order. Despite playing the majority of the T20I matches as a top-order batter, Babar suffered a demotion, which adversely affected his performance in the competition. Babar Azam battles sexual harassment case amid cricket breakThe PCB's decision to exclude Babar from the Pakistan ODI squad Vs Bangladesh took a toll on the batter. As a result, he made a bold decision, withdrawing himself from the National T20 Cup. As things stand, Babar Azam is currently fine-tuning his game and preparing for the PSL 2026. However, amid his preparations for the Pakistani T20 league, Babar was forced to go through legal battles regarding a sexual harassment case filed against him. Also read: "Pakistan Team Clown Without Babar Azam:" Fans Slam Shaheen And Co For Mirpur HorrorIt's worth mentioning that a Pakistani woman named Hamiza Mukhtar accused Babar of sexual harassment in 2018. Although she withdrew it, the case resurfaced when Mukhtar re-entered Babar's life with a legal notice in 2020. Mukhtar had alleged that the Pakistani cricketer had sexually harassed her, demanding compensation of Rs 150 million. She had approached the Justice of Peace, asking him to pay the aforementioned amount through a legal notice. As Babar refused to do so, the Justice of Peace circulated a directive to register a formal FIR against him. Babar Azam relieved by Lahore High Court's orderAs Babar faced an FIR threat, he approached the Lahore High Court, seeking justice. Babar's lawyer Haris Azmat argued that his client had nothing to do with the sexual harassment and that the complainant used his name and stature for publicity. Azmat told the High Court how Hamiza Mukhtar attempted to take the advantage of Babar Azam's reputation and tried to extort millions as compensation. He explained that the Justice of Peace's orders to file an FIR against Babar failed to fulfil the legal requirements. Thus, the Lahore High Court, in its judgment, dismissed the FIR orders, relieving the Pakistan star in this process. Babar Azam to lead Peshawar Zalmi in PSL 2026Known for his stylish stroke-play, Babar Azam is all set to captain the Peshawar Zalmi in the PSL 2026, set to begin on March 26. His side will cross swords against the newly-formed Rawalpindi Pindiz at the Arbab Niaz Stadium on March 28. The Zalmi will further take on Islamabad United, Hyderabad Kingsmen, Karachi Kings, Lahore Qalandars, Multan Sultans and Quetta Gladiators in their subsequent matches on March 31, April 8, 9, 11, 13 and 15, respectively. Babar has been a genuine match-winner for the Zalmi over the years. The experienced cricketer will be key to his team's success, as he gears up to make a comeback to the Pakistani white-ball teams ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Also read: Can Kavya Maran-Backed Sunrisers Leeds Release Abrar Ahmed From The Hundred After Backlash?
