New Delhi: In a dramatic development, the Lahore High Court has postponed the hearing of the controversial sexual harassment case involving former Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam. The case, originally scheduled for December 12, 2024, has been adjourned to December 16, further adding uncertainty to the cricketer’s already complicated personal and professional life. The delay comes as Babar is in South Africa, leading Pakistan in a tough T20I series.
The case, which has been ongoing since 2021, centers on allegations made by Hamiza Mukhtar, who accuses Babar Azam of sexually assaulting her after their relationship. Mukhtar claims that Babar promised to marry her, but later exploited her sexually, resulting in an abortion she was persuaded to have. She further alleges that once Babar gained fame and success in his cricketing career, he failed to honor his promise.
In court, Mukhtar presented medical evidence to back her claims and stated that the police had refused to file an FIR against Babar after she reported incidents of “blackmail and fornication.” These serious allegations have garnered significant attention, sparking public and legal debates both in Pakistan and internationally.
On December 12, Babar’s senior lawyer, Barrister Haris Azmat, was absent, leading the court to adjourn the hearing. Babar’s junior lawyer requested the delay, which the court accepted, rescheduling the case for December 16. As the legal proceedings continue, Babar remains active in international cricket, with his participation in South Africa’s bilateral series being closely scrutinized both on and off the field.
As if the legal controversy weren’t enough, Babar Azam’s cricketing form has also been under scrutiny. In the first T20I against South Africa in Durban, Babar’s batting struggles persisted as he was dismissed for a duck, marking his seventh duck in T20I cricket. This unwelcome record ties him with former Indian captain Virat Kohli, whose own difficulties with a similar tally of ducks had previously sparked debates about his consistency.
