Babar Azam Facing ‘Mental Stress’ as Family Pressures Him Into Cousin Marriage, Claims Pakistan Journalist

Pakistan cricket’s premier batter Babar Azam is reportedly navigating significant "mental stress" stemming from a private family dispute over his future marriage. The revelation was made by veteran sports journalist Shahid Hashmi during a recent interview on the PakPassion YouTube channel, where he suggested that domestic tensions are beginning to impact the star player’s psychological well-being. 20-Year-Old Uncapped Australian Pacer Ollie Patterson Dismisses Babar Azam Cheaply During Sydney Sixers vs Brisbane Heat BBL 2025-26 Match (Watch Video).

According to Hashmi, the friction arises from a fundamental disagreement between Babar and his elders: while his family is reportedly insistent on an arranged marriage to his cousin within the family circle, Babar has expressed a preference for a different choice.

Claims of Mental and Family Pressure On Babar Azam

Speaking on the current state of Babar's career and form, Hashmi noted that the batter is dealing with "some problems," which he categorized as both mental and familial.

"He has some problems. I think maybe mental problems, maybe some family problems, because we have been hearing a lot of stories that his marriage is very much on the cards," Hashmi said. "His family, his father and mother, want him to marry his cousin. He wants to marry someone else."

Shahid Hashmi Claims Babar Azam Being Pressurised To Marry Cousin

He further elaborated that the core of the issue is the pressure from his family to adhere to traditional expectations of marrying a relative, a common practice in the region, while the player remains firm on his own personal preference.

Impact on Babar Azam's Form and Focus

The timing of these reports is particularly notable as Babar manages an intensive schedule in the 2025-26 Big Bash League (BBL) with the Sydney Sixers. While he has provided glimpses of his elite talent, his consistency has been under the spotlight following a string of low scores, including a recent dismissal for just 2 against the Brisbane Heat.

Hashmi’s insights echo previous concerns raised by former captain Rashid Latif, who earlier suggested that Babar’s struggles on the pitch are more likely rooted in psychological strain than technical flaws. Analysts believe that the combination of losing the national captaincy and mounting domestic pressure has created a challenging environment for the 31-year-old.

Babar Azam's Personal Life Background: A History of Speculation

Babar Azam’s personal life has been a frequent subject of Pakistani media speculation for years. In late 2021, reports surfaced that he was engaged to his paternal cousin and set to wed after the T20 World Cup, though his father eventually dismissed those claims as premature.

Despite the recurring rumors, Babar has remained largely silent on his private affairs, often telling the media in press conferences that he is "already married to his cricket" and will share news of his actual wedding when the time is right.

Moving Forward

As the Pakistan national team prepares for a heavy 2026 calendar, including the T20 World Cup, the focus remains on Babar’s ability to find mental clarity. The "mental stress" mentioned by Hashmi highlights the delicate balance international athletes must maintain between their high-pressure careers and traditional family dynamics. Fact Check: Did Babar Azam Recite Holy Quran in Sydney Sixers' Dressing Room In Front of Steve Smith and Mitchell Starc During BBL 2025-26? Here's the Truth.

Neither Babar nor his representatives have officially responded to Hashmi’s specific claims regarding the marriage dispute.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 05, 2026 07:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).