Setting multiple records in the world of cricket, Babar Azam, the skipper of the Pakistan cricket team, and Mohammad Rizwan, the vice-captain of the Pakistan Test team, have achieved yet another remarkable feat.
They have become the first cricketers ever to join Harvard Business School’s prestigious Executive Education Programme on The Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports (BEMS). This groundbreaking collaboration between the cricketing world and the esteemed institution marks a significant milestone for both players and the sport itself.
In a press release, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) shared the exciting news. Babar Azam, the world's number one ranked ODI batter and captain of the Pakistan cricket team, along with wicketkeeper Muhammad Rizwan, the vice-captain of the Pakistan Test cricket team, will be attending the Harvard Business School's executive education program. They will be accompanied by their mentor, Talha Rehmani, the Founder and CEO of the Saya Corporation.
Babar and Rizwan will join a distinguished list of celebrities and top sportspersons who have previously participated in the prestigious BEMS program. This includes renowned figures such as Kaka Edwin van der Sar, Gerard Piqué, Oliver Kahn, Brandon Marshall from the NFL, Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade from the NBA's Miami Heat, and Hollywood A-listers like Channing Tatum and LL Cool J.
Notable names from the world of Major League Baseball, such as Alex Rodriguez, and NBA stars Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Paul, and Pau Gasol, have also been part of this elite program.
Representing Pakistan and the Cricketing World:
The press release highlighted that Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan will represent Pakistan and the cricketing world amidst a diverse gathering of global influencers in the sports, media, and entertainment industries. This unparalleled opportunity will enable them to engage with prominent personalities, exchange ideas, and contribute to the global community.
The highly anticipated BEMS program will be held from May 31 to June 3 at the Harvard Business School in Boston, Massachusetts. Following the program, the trio will also participate in various community activities in the United States until June 13, further expanding their horizons and fostering cultural exchange.
Both Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan expressed their excitement and eagerness to embark on this incredible journey. Babar, the top-ranked ODI batter in the world, conveyed his dedication to lifelong learning and the immense inspiration he draws from joining this world-class program at Harvard.
He expressed his eagerness to connect, explore, listen, learn, grow, and give back to the global community, recognizing the wealth of knowledge that awaits him from the extraordinary athletes and top business executives in attendance.
Meanwhile, Rizwan, the second-ranked men's T20i batsman globally, shared his immense pride in representing Pakistan on such a prestigious global stage. He emphasized the unique opportunity to learn from the best minds in the world, both among the faculty and fellow participants, while also eagerly sharing their own journeys and learnings. Rizwan's enthusiasm stemmed from the desire to contribute their experiences to inspire future cricket superstars.
The Esteemed Professor's Perspective: Professor Anita Elberse, the program chair, warmly welcomed Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan to the Harvard Business School and the BEMS program. Recognizing the exceptional qualities of the two cricketers as world-class athletes with a keen interest in the business world, Professor Elberse expressed her confidence that their participation would greatly benefit other program attendees. Their insights and experiences will undoubtedly enrich the diverse discussions and interactions throughout the program.
Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan's inclusion in the Harvard Business School's Executive Education Programme on The Business of Entertainment, Media, and Sports reflects the rising influence of cricket and the increasing recognition of sports as a significant industry.
This remarkable achievement not only opens new doors for these talented cricketers but also serves as a testament to the power of dedication, hard work, and the desire to excel both on and off the field. As they embark on this transformative journey, Babar and Rizwan are poised to inspire countless individuals, leaving an indelible mark on the ever-evolving landscape of cricket and the world of business.
