By: Abubakar Bin Tallat
KARACHI: In a groundbreaking move, renowned Pakistani cricketers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are set to become the first-ever cricketers to join Harvard Business School’s prestigious executive education program. The dynamic batting duo, along with their mentor Talha Rehmani, founder and CEO of Saya Corporation, will embark on an educational journey at Harvard to explore The Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports (BEMS). The program, scheduled to take place from May 31 to June 3, will be held at the renowned Harvard Business School campus in Boston, Massachusetts.
Expressing his enthusiasm for this unique opportunity, Babar Azam, the top-ranked ODI batter, expressed his eagerness to contribute to the growth of the community. “I am a lifelong learner, and after detailed discussions with Prof. Elberse and Rehmani, I have been inspired to join this world-class program at Harvard. My goal is to connect, explore, listen, learn, grow, and give back to the global community. I am certain that interacting with amazing athletes and top business executives from the entertainment, media, and sports industries will offer invaluable insights,” stated Azam.
Joining him on this exciting endeavor, Mohammad Rizwan, another prominent figure in Pakistan’s cricketing landscape, expressed his anticipation for the program and the opportunity to share his experiences with future sports superstars. Rizwan believes that the program will be an enlightening journey, offering a unique perspective on the intersection of sports and business.
Harvard Business School’s executive education program, The Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports (BEMS), has attracted notable participants from various fields of sports and entertainment. Previous participants include renowned footballers Kaka, Edwin van der Sar, Gerard Pique, and Oliver Kahn, as well as prominent figures from the NFL, NBA, and Major League Baseball, such as Brandon Marshall, Chris Bosh, Dwyane Wade, and Alex Rodriguez.
Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Talha Rehmani will fly from Karachi to the United States to commence their educational journey at Harvard. Their enrollment in this esteemed program marks a significant milestone, showcasing their commitment to personal growth and their desire to contribute to the ever-evolving world of sports and entertainment.