Babar Azam: The Pride of Pakistan Cricket

Pakistan’s beautiful right-handed batsman, Babar Azam, is emerging as one of the best modern cricketers. Renowned for his flawless strokes, regularity, and coolheadedness, Babar Azam has become Pakistan’s top batting master.

From 2016 to 2024, he was a major player in international cricket, loved at home and abroad. From his early years in Lahore to guiding Pakistan’s national team across disciplines, Babar’s path is one of diligence, tenacity, and unvarnished brilliance.

Early Life and Background

Born in Lahore, Punjab, on October 15, 1994, Mohammad Babar Azam came from a family steeped in cricket. His cousins Kamran, Umar, and Adnan Akmal were already causing a stir in Pakistani cricket.

Inspired by their travels, Babar started his cricketing quest in Lahore’s streets before enrolling in official coaching programs. Beginning with under-15 events, he quickly ascended the ranks in age-group cricket thanks to his batting ability and demeanor.

Domestic Cricket and Rise to Prominence

Babar Azam’s domestic career was instrumental in developing his batting skills. Representing teams like Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited and Islamabad Leopards, he showcased remarkable consistency. His performances in domestic tournaments such as the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and Pakistan Cup made him a standout candidate for national selection.

His record in domestic cricket, particularly in List A matches, reflected a maturity beyond his years. By the time he was drafted into the Pakistan national team, Babar had already shown he could deliver under pressure.

Debut internationally and early in career

On May 31, 2015, Babar Azam debuted for Pakistan in One Day International (ODI) against Zimbabwe. He scored a composed 54, immediately drawing attention to his classical stroke play and maturity at the crease. Soon after, in September 2016, he made his T20 International debut against England.

Still, his performance against the West Indies in 2016 shot him to the top. In a three-match ODI series, Babar Azam scored three consecutive centuries—120, 123, and 117 — making him the third batsman in history to achieve this feat. This landmark performance earned him comparisons with cricketing greats like Virat Kohli and Joe Root.

Debut Test

In October 2016, Babar Azam conducted his first test against the West Indies in Dubai. Although his initial performances in the longer format were modest, his batting steadily improved, eventually making him one of Pakistan’s most reliable Test batters. His first Test century came against New Zealand in 2018; he has not looked back since then.

Batting Style and Technique

One of Babar Azam’s most admired qualities is his elegant and technically sound batting style. He combines classical technique with modern flair, allowing him to score in all parts of the ground. His cover drive, in particular, is considered among the finest in world cricket.

Babar is known for his footwork, balance, and shot selection. Whether he plays a seaming delivery on the green tops of England or counters spin in the subcontinent, his adaptability makes him a standout player across formats.

He has been a regular match-winner for Pakistan since he can anchor the innings and accelerate when necessary.

captaincy and command

In 2019 Babar Azam was appointed Pakistan’s T20 captain and later took over the reins in ODIs and Tests. His leadership came at a crucial time for Pakistan cricket, which was transitioning from the Misbah-Younis era.

Babar Azam was the captain, emphasizing a brave and positive brand of cricket. Under his supervision, Pakistan advanced to the T20 World Cup 2021 semifinal and the T20 World Cup 2022 final. His calm and collected captaincy style and capacity for setting an example earned him respect in the locker room and among supporters.

Notable Records and Achievements

Numerous awards and records adorn Babar Azam’s cricketing resume:

ODI Records:

He is the fastest batsman to score 1000 runs in ODIs for Pakistan (21 innings).
He is the second-fastest player in the world to reach 2000 ODI runs (45 innings).
Babar has become the fastest player to reach 5000 ODI runs.
He holds the highest ODI average among Pakistani batters with more than 2000 runs.

Test Records:

The ICC ranked him among the top five Test batters in 2022 and 2023.
He scored a century in England, South Africa, and Australia—a unique accomplishment among subcontinental hitters.

T20 International Records:

The leading run-scorer for Pakistan in T20 Internationals.
He is one of the few players to have achieved several T20 centuries.
Holds the record for most 50+ scores in T20Is for Pakistan.

ICC Rankings and Awards:

The product consistently ranks in the top 3 across all three formats.
ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2021 and 2022.
Featured in ICC Teams of the Year across multiple formats multiple times.

Comparisons with Modern Greats

Babar Azam is often compared to the “Fab Four” of modern cricket: Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson. While these comparisons initially sparked debates, Babar has firmly established himself in the same league. His consistency across formats, especially in ODIs and T20Is, has made him one of the most feared batters in the world.

Babar has maintained a healthy balance between aggression and stability, unlike many of his contemporaries. His ability to build innings and accelerate at the right moment has made him a complete batsman.

Babar Azam and the Pakistan Super League (PSL)

Babar Azam has starred in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), playing for teams like Karachi Kings and Peshawar Zalmi. In the 2023 edition of the PSL, he emerged as the top run-scorer, scoring over 600 runs at an average exceeding 50.

His performances in the PSL have elevated the league’s profile and made him a crowd favorite. His leadership of Peshawar Zalmi brought a refreshing change, as he groomed young players and maintained a strong on-field presence.

Babar Azam’s Influence on Pakistan Cricket

Azam is more than just a cricketer; he represents a new generation of Pakistani cricket. Babar has provided much-needed steadiness in an era of inconsistent performances and leadership instability. His presence on the team ensures a psychological advantage for teammates and fans.

Young cricketers in Pakistan look up to him as a role model. He has inspired a wave of emerging talent that now believes in technical correctness, fitness, and discipline — attributes that Babar embodies.

Challenges and Criticism

Like every athlete, Babar Azam has faced criticism, especially regarding his strike rate in T20Is and his captaincy decisions. Critics have questioned his tactical acumen in high-pressure games, particularly during ICC tournaments.

However, Babar has always responded with grace and performance. He is willing to learn and evolve, often accepting constructive feedback and working on his limitations.

Personal Life and Personality

Despite his global fame, Babar Azam remains grounded and humble. Known for his polite demeanor, he maintains a low profile off the field. He is a devout Muslim who often credits his success to hard work and faith. Babar is also known for his charitable contributions and engagement in social causes, particularly around education and youth development in Pakistan.

Prospects for the Future:

Babar Azam is at the height of his career in 2025. He is still a major player for Pakistan, even though several ICC events—including the ICC Champions Trophy and the 2026 T20 World Cup—are still to be scheduled. Whether a veteran batter or a captain, his contribution will be crucial in determining Pakistan’s next cricketing glory.

Babar is on course to break several long-standing records given his fitness and hunger for runs. His consistency and adaptability make him a likely candidate to surpass 10,000 runs in ODIs and 8,000 runs in Tests—milestones only a handful of Pakistani legends have achieved.

Heritage.

Babar Azam’s legacy is still unfolding, although he has already accomplished what many aspire to. He is regarded as one of the best Pakistani batters since the legendary Mohammad Yousuf and Inzamam-ul-Haq. If he continues on this path, Babar could be remembered alongside Imran Khan, Javed Miandad, and Wasim Akram as one of the all-time greats in Pakistan cricket history.