Babar Azam: The Pride of Pakistan Cricket
Introduction
In the modern era of cricket, where aggressive gameplay often overshadows technical finesse, Babar Azam stands as a beacon of balance. Combining classical technique with modern flair, Babar has emerged as one of the finest batsmen of his generation. Hailing from Pakistan, he has not only become a cornerstone of his national team but also a global cricket icon. This blog explores his journey, achievements, style of play, and future prospects in the cricketing world.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Mohammad Babar Azam was born on 15th October 1994 in Lahore, Pakistan. His cricket journey began at a very young age. Coming from a cricketing family—he is the cousin of Kamran Akmal and Umar Akmal—Babar was naturally inclined towards the game.
He began his early training at the streets of Lahore and soon joined a proper cricket academy. His talent was evident early on, and he represented Pakistan in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cups in 2010 and 2012. His consistent performances paved the way for his inclusion in the national setup.
Rise to International Stardom
Entry into the National Team
Babar made his One Day International (ODI) debut for Pakistan on 31st May 2015 against Zimbabwe in Lahore. He impressed everyone with his composure, timing, and graceful stroke play.
Just over a year later, he made his Test debut against the West Indies in October 2016. By that time, he had already begun to establish himself as a dependable batsman in the limited-overs formats.
Career Highlights and Records
Babar Azam's career has been full of significant milestones. Below is a table highlighting some of his key stats as of mid-2025:
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s | Highest Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test | 54 | 4,200 | 47.7 | 9 | 26 | 196 |
| ODI | 123 | 6,100 | 58.4 | 18 | 30 | 158 |
| T20I | 104 | 3,700 | 41.0 | 3 | 32 | 122 |
Leadership and Captaincy
Babar Azam took over the captaincy of Pakistan in white-ball cricket in 2019 and in Test cricket in 2020. His calm demeanor, tactical awareness, and ability to lead from the front helped stabilize a team often plagued by inconsistency.
Under his leadership:
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Pakistan reached the semi-finals of the ICC T20 World Cup 2021.
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Reached the final of ICC T20 World Cup 2022.
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Became the No.1 ranked ODI team briefly in 2023.
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Developed a strong core of young, promising players.
Although his captaincy has seen both highs and lows, he has grown in stature as a leader.
Playing Style and Strengths
Babar Azam’s batting is a perfect blend of grace, timing, and precision. Here are some characteristics that define his playing style:
Technical Excellence
Babar possesses one of the most technically sound techniques in contemporary cricket. His balance at the crease and compact footwork make him adaptable across formats and conditions.
Mastery in the Covers
Few players in the world can match Babar’s elegance when driving through the covers. His cover drive is often compared with legends like Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson.
Consistency
One of Babar’s greatest strengths is his ability to score consistently across formats. He seldom goes through long lean patches, which is a hallmark of great batsmen.
Major Achievements
Here’s a list of some of Babar Azam’s most notable achievements:
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Fastest to 1,000 runs in T20Is for Pakistan.
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First Pakistani to score three consecutive ODI centuries.
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Only Pakistani captain to score a century in all three formats.
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ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year in 2021 and 2022.
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No. 1 ranked ODI batsman for over two years.
Off the Field: Personality and Influence
Apart from his on-field success, Babar Azam is known for his humility, discipline, and focus. He maintains a low profile off the field, rarely getting involved in controversies. His work ethic and dedication to fitness have made him a role model for aspiring cricketers in Pakistan and beyond.
His influence on young players is evident, as many upcoming Pakistani batsmen cite Babar as their inspiration.
Challenges and Criticism
Like every athlete, Babar has faced his share of criticism:
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Questions about his strike rate in T20s.
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Concerns about his leadership during tough matches.
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Criticism for defensive tactics in Test matches.
However, Babar has shown resilience and has continually worked on his weaknesses. His willingness to evolve is what keeps him at the top of the game.
The Future Ahead
At just 30 years of age (as of 2025), Babar Azam still has many years of top-level cricket ahead of him. With the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy and the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup on the horizon, expectations are high.
If he continues his current trajectory, Babar Azam could end his career as the greatest Pakistani batsman of all time, perhaps even competing with the likes of Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli, and Steve Smith in global cricketing greatness.
Conclusion
Babar Azam has already etched his name among cricket’s elite. His journey from a ball boy at Gaddafi Stadium to becoming Pakistan’s batting maestro is a testament to his talent, hard work, and perseverance.
As Pakistan looks to build a team for future glory, Babar Azam remains their shining star—both a captain and a craftsman of the game. His story continues to inspire millions, proving that with passion and dedication, anything is possible.
