Babar Azam Refuses To Endorse Betting Brands In LPL 2023

image-lkrzatnyBabar Azam in action for Colombo Strikers in LPL 2023 [Source: Twitter]

After a flop in the opening Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023 encounter, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam showcased his class while playing for Colombo Strikers against B-Love Kandy on Monday, scoring his maiden fifty of the competition.

However, what was a stand out for Azam, who scored 7 against Jaffna Kings on Sunday in the tournament opener, was his different jersey, which did not have any sponsor or brand logo on it, a stark difference from all other Strikers players. 

Azam, who has been one of the most consistent batters in current times, continued wearing his no-betting logo jersey in the match against Kandy as well. 

Colombo's Jersey and Helmet has India-based sponsors like Kheloyar and 1xBook, which are betting companies, and have a heavy presence in branding in various T20 leagues around the globe.


Pakistan's all-format skipper Azam has a straightforward stance that he will not promote betting as it is considered illegal in his religion, and has added a "no betting clause" in all his contracts. 

The Strikers are placed second in the LPL 2023 points table with one win and one loss, behind leaders Jaffna Kings.

Interestingly, several Pakistan Cricket Board-run tournaments have betting companies as sponsors, which has created a lot of noise within the cricketing circles back home.