Explained: The story behind Babar Azam’s sexual harassment case

For Pakistan cricket captain Babar Azam, one of the country’s most celebrated athletes, the roar of the crowd has long been matched only by the scrutiny that comes with fame. But in 2021, off the cricket field, he found himself at the center of a storm that threatened not just his career but his reputation.

A woman named Hamiza Mukhtar came forward with serious allegations, claiming that she had been sexually harassed and misled during a long-term relationship with Azam. The case, which would span five years of legal battles, public speculation, and media attention, became one of the most talked-about controversies in Pakistani sports.

Mukhtar alleged that during their relationship, she had become pregnant and was persuaded to undergo an abortion, with the promise that marriage would follow in due course. Once Babar Azam’s cricketing career flourished, she claimed, he ignored his prior assurances. The accusations included harassment, blackmail, and the failure to honor commitments, with Mukhtar even claiming that Azam owed her Rs1.2 million.

Legal Beginnings and Public Attention

Mukhtar first approached local authorities, but registering a formal FIR proved difficult. Her claims were taken seriously, yet procedural hurdles and the cricketer’s legal interventions meant the matter moved slowly. As the case unfolded, she sought to ensure that her allegations were formally addressed, presenting medical documents to support her claim regarding the abortion and her relationship with Azam.

The sessions court eventually directed authorities to investigate the allegations, citing the seriousness of the claims. However, Babar Azam’s legal team acted swiftly, securing a stay order from the Lahore High Court (LHC). This move temporarily halted proceedings and prevented an FIR from being registered. From this point onward, the case became a drawn-out legal battle, punctuated by repeated hearings, adjournments, and public speculation.

Courtroom Drama: Delays and Disputes

Over the years, the case saw multiple court sessions. In December 2024, during a Lahore High Court hearing, Mukhtar appeared in person to present her claims. Babar Azam’s senior lawyer, Barrister Haris Azmat, was absent, and his junior requested an adjournment, which the court granted. The judge expressed frustration over repeated delays, noting that the case had been pending since 2021 and that Azam’s legal team had consistently relied on the stay order without making court appearances.

Mukhtar’s lawyers maintained that the allegations constituted rape, asserting that Azam had promised marriage, assaulted her, and failed to meet financial obligations. Despite these claims, the LHC maintained that procedural fairness required careful evaluation of evidence and due process before allowing a criminal case to move forward.

FIA Investigation and Alleged Threats

The case took another twist when Mukhtar approached the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), claiming she had received threatening phone calls and messages from unidentified individuals. The FIA traced one of the numbers to Muhammad Babar, linked to Babar Azam, and summoned him for questioning. Azam did not appear, sending his brother Faisal in his place to request more time. Initially, the FIA noted that his absence could suggest culpability, and a sessions court ordered the agency to proceed with registering the FIR. Once again, the Lahore High Court intervened, emphasizing that Azam’s side had yet to be heard and upholding the principles of due process.

Defense and the Fight for Credibility

Throughout the proceedings, Azam’s legal team maintained that the allegations were baseless, motivated by publicity and financial gain. Barrister Haris Azmat argued that Mukhtar’s claims lacked credibility and substance, asserting that they were essentially an attempt at extortion. This defense underscored the importance of separating genuine legal grievances from claims potentially aimed at leveraging public attention or monetary gain.

Court Closure: FIR Set Aside

After years of deliberation, in March 2026, the Lahore High Court issued a definitive ruling. The court set aside all previous orders directing the registration of an FIR against Babar Azam. The judgment highlighted that the allegations did not meet the necessary legal threshold to proceed as a criminal case and recognized that earlier courts had not properly ensured that Azam’s perspective was considered. Importantly, the ruling underscored that the accusations appeared more aligned with publicity and financial motives than with legitimate criminal intent.

Reactions and Reflections

The verdict was a relief for Azam and his supporters. His lawyer described the case as not only a legal matter but also one with immense reputational stakes. He praised his team for successfully demonstrating that the allegations were unsubstantiated and highlighted the significance of truth, fairness, and due process in such high-profile cases. Azam himself has largely remained silent in public statements, focusing on his cricketing career, which has included domestic leagues and international tours. He assured fans that the case had not affected his form or focus, and the Pakistan Cricket Board has maintained neutrality, reiterating that the matter was purely legal and being handled in court.

Conclusion: Justice and Normalcy Restored

With the Lahore High Court’s ruling, the sexual harassment and blackmail allegations against Babar Azam are formally closed. The judgment clears him of all accusations, allowing him to fully focus on cricket without the shadow of legal uncertainty or reputational damage. For the public and legal observers, the case underscores the importance of due process, credibility, and fairness, while for Azam, it marks a return to normalcy both on and off the field.

After five years of legal proceedings, the saga that began in 2021 concludes with the court reaffirming principles of justice and fairness, ensuring that the high-profile cricketer’s rights were protected while highlighting the necessity for credible evidence in sexual harassment allegations. For fans and observers, it’s a reminder of the legal system’s role in balancing public interest, celebrity influence, and individual rights.