Babar Azam | Pakistan Cricket Player

Babar Azam is one of the most exciting talents in cricket today, capturing the hearts of fans with his elegant batting and consistent performances. Born on October 15, 1994, in Lahore, Pakistan, Babar’s journey from a young cricket enthusiast to the captain of the national team showcases his skill, hard work, and determination. His smooth batting style, especially his beautiful cover drives, has helped him score runs in all formats of the game, breaking records and winning many awards. Babar’s talent has not only earned him a huge fan base but also made him a role model for young cricketers around the world. Whether playing in tough Test matches, crucial ODIs, or thrilling T20s, Babar’s ability to adapt and perform has made him one of the best batsmen of his generation.

Babar Azam Personal Information:

Full Name	Mohammad Babar Azam
Date of Birth	October 15, 1994
Place of Birth	Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
Nationality	Pakistani
Height	5 feet 11 inches (1.80 meters)
Batting Style	Right-handed
Bowling Style	Right-arm off-break
Role	Top-order batsman, occasional bowler, Captain

Early Life and Background

Family Background

Former Pakistani captain Babar Azam was born on October 15, 1994, in Lahore, Pakistan, into a Punjabi Muslim family. His father’s name is Azam Siddique. He has a younger brother named Safeer Azam. Babar enjoyed playing cricket since childhood. He was inspired by his cousins and former Pakistani cricketers, Umar Akmal and Kamran Akmal. Due to his passion for cricket and hard work, Babar Azam has earned a good reputation in the cricket world.

Education

Babar Azam received his early education from The Lords International School System in Lahore. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from Punjab University. However, he focused more on cricket than studies.

Early Interest in Cricket

Babar Azam began his journey in Lahore, playing age-group cricket under the watchful eyes of his coach Mansoor Hameed who used to train him at YuSlim cricket club. Moreover, Babar Azam used to leave his house at 10 am to train along with his two cousins and a friend to Model Town Park in Lahore that took an hour to reach by feet. Babar used to set up practice nets and trained hard in the park.

Youth Career

Babar Azam first featured on the International cricket scene at the age of 14 in ICC under-15 world championship in 2008. Babar played a spectacular knock against America U-15, where he scored 165 runs of 140 balls that included 15 boundaries and 2 sixes. He was the top run-scorer for his side in the respective competition.

Mohammad Babar Azam has also played two ICC Under-19 world championships for Pakistan, where he was the top scorer for his team. Pakistan team reached the Under 19 world cup final in 2010 but lost to the Australian team. In 2012, Babar Azam captained his side that lost to India in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Moreover, Babar Azam made his domestic cricket debut at the age of 15 in a List-a match for his side ZTBL against Pakistan Customs in the Royal Bank of Scotland Cup. He scored 68 runs off 78 balls, hitting 10 boundaries and a six. ZTBL won the match comfortably with 6 wickets left.

Domestic Career

Teams Played For

Babar Azam has represented several domestic teams throughout his career. His journey in domestic cricket began with Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) in the 2010-11 season, where he showcased his potential as a top-order batsman. Following his initial stint, he played for Islamabad in the Pakistan Cup, further honing his skills.

Babar Azam’s performances caught the attention of selectors, and he went on to play for the Lahore Lions in the domestic T20 circuit, making significant contributions to their campaigns.

Moreover, Babar Azam began his Pakistan Super League (PSL) career with Islamabad United in 2016 and moved to Karachi Kings in 2017. He quickly became a top performer, finishing as the second-highest run-scorer in 2017 and the third-highest in 2018. He continued his impressive form in the 2019 and 2020 seasons, leading the league in runs in 2020 and winning the final with Karachi Kings. In 2021, he broke his own record for most runs in a PSL season. Ahead of the 2022 season, Babar was traded to Peshawar Zalmi and named captain. He excelled, especially in 2023, where he scored his first PSL century and finished the season with 522 runs. Babar holds the record for the most runs and most centuries in PSL history, with a total of 2935 runs.

In addition to his PSL success, Babar Azam has also represented Central Punjab in Pakistan’s domestic first-class and List A competitions. Leading Central Punjab, he has demonstrated his leadership qualities and batting prowess, contributing significantly to the team’s successes in various tournaments.

Babar Azam’s domestic career is a testament to his versatility and consistency across different formats and teams, laying a solid foundation for his international achievements.

Notable Performances

Babar Azam made his first-class debut at the age of 16 for his side ZTBL against the National Bank of Pakistan in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy Division One at Sialkot on 10 December 2010. Babar scored a half-century on his debut as the match ended in a draw.

Babar Azam has played in 69 first-class matches, amassing 4181 runs at an average of 41.81 runs per match, with a strike rate of 56.99. He has recorded 8 centuries and 28 half-centuries, with his highest score in this format being 266 runs.

Awards and Recognitions

Babar Azam showcased his exceptional talent by securing the Hanif Mohammad Cap for the third time in 2021, following his top-scoring performances in the 473 runs (2020) and 554 runs (2021) PSL seasons.

International Career

International Debut

Test Debut

Babar Azam made his Test debut against West Indies at Dubai (DSC) on 13 October 2016. He scored 69 runs in his first innings and 21 runs in his second innings. Pakistan won the Day/Night match by 56 runs. Babar became one of few players to have made their Test debut in the Day/Night match.

ODI Debut

Babar Azam made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe at Lahore on 31st May 2015. It was a special game for him as it was his hometown debut at Gaddafi Stadium. Babar scored a half-century on his debut, but the match ended as “No Result” due to unsuitable playing conditions.

T-20 Debut

Babar Azam made his T20I debut against England at Manchester on 07 September 2016. England managed to score only 135 runs and lost the match by 9 wickets.

Major Achievements

Babar Azam scored the first-ever Cricket World Cup century against New Zealand. He fell short by 4 runs to score his second century in the Cricket World Cup against Bangladesh.

Babar Azam was appointed as the captain of the Pakistan ODI team shortly after the ICC World Cup in 2019. After being named as ODI captain, Babar scored 4 half- centuries from 6 ODI matches, averaging 89.80 with a strike rate of 102.98. This includes an impressive knock of 125 runs against Zimbabwe in his 3rd ODI match as captain.

Babar Azam played a spectacular knock of 94 runs in a deciding match against the South African team that helped Pakistan to secure their second-ever ODI series win in South Africa in 2023.

He is the only batsman in history to score 3 consecutive centuries twice. Moreover, Babar is the fastest captain to reach 1000 ODI runs in 13 innings. Furthermore, he has the highest number of runs with 303 runs in the 2021 T20 World Cup. Also, Babar Azam is the fastest batsman, in terms of time taken, to reach 1000 runs in T20Is (26 innings).

Key Performances

Babar’s key performances include multiple centuries across formats that have been crucial in securing victories for Pakistan. Notably, his three consecutive ODI centuries against the West Indies in 2016 and a match-winning century against New Zealand in the ICC World Cup 2019 stand out. His innings of 196 against Australia in Karachi in 2022 is one of his best Test performances.

Records and Milestones

ODI Milestones

Fastest to 1,000, 2,000, 3,000, 4,000, and 5,000 Runs:

• Babar Azam is one of the fastest players to reach these milestones in ODIs, often competing with the likes of Virat Kohli and Hashim Amla. He reached 1,000 runs in just 21 innings, 2,000 runs in 45 innings, 3,000 in 68 innings, 4,000 in 82 innings, and 5,000 runs in 97 innings.

Consistent Performer:

• Babar is the fastest Pakistani to score 13, 14, 15, 16, and 17 ODI centuries.

T20I Milestones

Fastest to 1,000 T20I Runs:

• He became the fastest player to score 1,000 runs in T20 Internationals, achieving this in just 26 innings.

Consistent Scorer:

• Babar has numerous records for scoring fifties in T20Is, including being one of the fastest to 1,500, 2,000, and 2,500 runs in this format.

Test Cricket Achievements

Maiden Test Century:

• Babar scored his maiden Test century against New Zealand in November 2018.

Fastest Pakistani to 1,000, 2,000, and 3,000 Runs:

• He reached these milestones quicker than any other Pakistani player, showcasing his adaptability and skill in the longer format of the game.

Playing Style and Skills

Batting Style and Strengths

Babar Azam is a right-handed batsman known for his elegant stroke play and solid technique. His strengths include a strong backfoot play, excellent cover drives, and the ability to rotate the strike effortlessly. He is particularly effective against both spin and pace, showcasing a calm temperament under pressure.

Bowling Style and Specialties

While Babar Azam is primarily known for his batting, he occasionally bowls right-arm off-breaks. However, his contributions with the ball have been minimal in international cricket.

Fielding Abilities

Babar is also a proficient fielder, often seen fielding in the slips or the inner circle. His sharp reflexes and safe hands make him an asset in the field, contributing to crucial run-outs and catches.

Signature Moves

Babar’s signature move is his exquisite cover drive, often played with a high elbow and perfect timing. This shot has become synonymous with his batting style, drawing admiration from cricket fans and experts alike.

Stats and Records

Test Matches

Matches Played:

Babar Azam has participated in 52 Test matches for Pakistan.

Runs Scored:

In these 52 Test matches, Babar has amassed 3898 runs, showcasing his prowess in the longer format of the game. His highest Test score is 196, achieved against Australia in Karachi in March 2022, a match-saving innings that spanned over 10 hours and showcased his resilience and skill against a high-quality bowling attack. He ranks at 3rd position in ICC test batting ranking of men.

Batting Average:

With an impressive batting average of 45.85, Babar consistently contributes significantly to Pakistan’s Test scores. This average places him among the top contemporary batsmen in Test cricket.

Centuries/Half-Centuries:

Babar has scored 9 centuries and 26 half-centuries in Test cricket. Notable centuries include his 143 against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi in February 2020, where his fluent stroke play helped Pakistan to a dominant victory, and his 104 against Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi in December 2019 on a difficult pitch, demonstrating his technical proficiency. His ability to convert starts into big scores has been crucial for Pakistan.

Wickets Taken:

As a part-time bowler, Babar has taken 2 wickets in Test matches. His occasional contributions with the ball add an extra dimension to his game.

Bowling Average:

His bowling average in Tests is 21.00, indicating his effectiveness in the limited opportunities he has had to bowl.

Best Bowling:

His best Test bowling figures are 1/1, achieved against Sri Lanka in Karachi in December 2019, during a match where he also scored a century, highlighting his all-around capabilities.

ODI Matches

Matches Played:

Babar Azam has featured in 117 One Day Internationals for Pakistan. His regular inclusion underscores his pivotal role in the team.

Runs Scored:

Babar is the Ranked as No.1 Batsmen in the world with his 5729 runs in ODIs, he has established himself as one of the top batsmen in this format. His highest score in this format is 158 against England in Birmingham in July 2021. This innings was marked by his fluent stroke play and ability to pace the innings perfectly, leading Pakistan to a competitive total.

Batting Average:

Babar has an outstanding ODI batting average of 56.72, making him one of the most consistent performers in this format. His ability to maintain such a high average over numerous matches underscores his reliability and skill.

Centuries/Half-Centuries:

Babar has scored 19 centuries and 32 half-centuries in ODIs, illustrating his skills for building significant innings. Among his most memorable centuries is the 125* against West Indies in April 2017, where his calm and composed batting guided Pakistan to a successful chase in a pressure situation.

Wickets Taken:

Babar has not taken any wickets in ODI cricket.

Bowling Average:

With no wickets taken, there is no bowling average to report.

Best Bowling:

Babar Azam has not bowled in ICC ODI Cricket to register a best bowling performance in ODIs.

ICC ODI Rankings:

As of the latest ICC rankings, Babar Azam is ranked as the No. 1 batsman in the world in ODIs, reflecting his dominance and consistency in this format.

T20I Matches

Matches Played:

Babar Azam has played in 118 T20 International matches. His extensive experience in T20Is highlights his adaptability to the shortest format.

Runs Scored:

He has scored 3987 runs in T20Is, making him one of the leading run-scorers in this format. His highest score in this format is 122 against South Africa in Centurion in April 2021. This innings was marked by aggressive yet controlled batting, helping Pakistan chase down a formidable target with ease.

Batting Average:

His batting average of 41.84 is highly commendable in T20 cricket, where consistency is harder to maintain.

Centuries/Half-Centuries:

Babar has recorded 3 centuries and 36 half-centuries in T20Is, proving his talent in playing impactful innings. Notable innings include his 97* against West Indies in Karachi in April 2018, where his match-winning knock anchored Pakistan’s chase and his 90* against South Africa in Lahore in February 2021, demonstrating his ability to finish games.

Wickets Taken:

Babar has not taken any wickets in T20 Internationals.

Bowling Average:

As with his ODI format, he does not have a bowling average in T20Is.

Best Bowling:

There is no best bowling record for Babar in T20Is since he has not taken any wickets.

Domestic and Other T20 Leagues

Babar Azam has been a prominent figure in various domestic and international T20 leagues. His performances in these leagues have been consistently excellent, often placing him among the top run-scorers. He has played for several teams, most notably:

Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL):

Babar has been a standout performer in the PSL, regularly finishing seasons as one of the top run-scorers. His batting has been pivotal for Karachi Kings, contributing to their successes in the league.

Somerset in the English T20 Blast:

Babar’s stint with Somerset in the T20 Blast was marked by remarkable performances. He quickly became a fan favorite, delivering match-winning innings and showcasing his talent on an international stage.

Awards Of Babar Azam

2017

• He was named in the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2017
• PCB’s ODI Cricketer of the Year: 2017

2018

• PCB’s T20I Cricketer of the Year: 2017

2019

• He was named in the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2019

2020

• 2020 Pakistan Super League Player of the Tournament
• ARY News Person of the Year 2020

2021

• Named as ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2021
• Named as captain of the ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year 2021
• Named as captain of the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2021
• Named as captain of the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Team of the Tournament
• Winner of ICC Player of the Month for April 2021
• PCB’s ODI Cricketer of the Year: 2021

2022

• Named as ICC Cricketer of the Year ( Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy): 2022
• Named as ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year 2022
• Named as captain of the ICC Men’s ODI Team of the Year 2022
• Named in the ICC Men’s Test Team of the Year 2022
• Winner of ICC Player of the Month for March 2022

2023

• On 23 March 2023, he was awarded the Sitara-i-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s third highest civilian award. At the age of 28, he becomes the youngest cricketer ever to get honored with the prestigious Sitara-e-Imtiaz.

Captaincy and Leadership

Captaincy Record

Babar Azam, Pakistan’s skipper, made history by becoming the most successful T20I captain with an impressive 45 wins. This milestone was achieved after Pakistan’s stunning victory over Ireland in 2024, where they chased down 193/7 with ease.

Leadership Style

Babar Azam is admired for his humility, dedication, and passion for the game. He has emerged as a role model for aspiring cricketers, inspiring them to strive for excellence and never give up on their dreams.

Notable Series Wins

Notable series wins under Babar’s captaincy include the T20 series against South Africa and the Test series against Bangladesh.

Off the Field

Personal Life

Family:

Babar Azam comes from a middle class family. His father name is Azam Siddique and mother name is not known. Babar comes from a cricketing family, with his cousins Kamran and Umar Akmal being prominent cricketers of their time.

Spouse/Partner:

As of now, Babar Azam is single.

Hobbies and Interests

Babar enjoys playing video games, watching movies, and spending time with family and friends. He is also an avid follower of football.

Philanthropy and Charity Work

Babar is involved in various charitable activities, including supporting underprivileged children and participating in fundraising events for health and education causes.

Business Ventures

Babar has ventured into various business activities, including endorsements and brand partnerships with several multinational companies. Notably, Babar represent Takaful Bazaar as its brand ambassador in various marketing and promotional campaigns.

Controversies and Challenges

Major Controversies

Babar Azam, the Pakistan cricket captain, has found himself at the center of various controversies that have made headlines in recent times. From leaked WhatsApp chats to Twitter spats and even allegations of traffic violations, these controversies have sparked discussions and debates among cricket fans and the public alike. Notably, Reports emerged of a divided Pakistan team during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, with speculations of a rift between Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi. However, PCB denied these rumours.  

Injuries

Babar has faced a few injuries during his career, including a thumb injury in 2020 that ruled him out of the New Zealand tour. However, he has made strong comebacks each time.

Comebacks

Babar’s comeback after injuries has always been marked by outstanding performances, showcasing his resilience and determination.

Return to Form in 2019 World Cup:

• Context: Before the 2019 Cricket World Cup, Babar faced criticism for not converting starts into big scores consistently.
• Performance: Babar silenced his critics with outstanding performances, scoring 474 runs in the tournament at an average of 67.71. His standout innings was a match-winning 101* against New Zealand, which cemented his reputation as a world-class batsman.

Recovery from Injury in 2020:

• Context: In December 2020, Babar suffered a fractured thumb during practice ahead of the Test series against New Zealand, ruling him out of the series.
• Comeback: Babar returned in January 2021 for the home series against South Africa. He scored crucial runs, including a century in the second Test, guiding Pakistan to a historic series win. His performance demonstrated his ability to bounce back from physical setbacks.

Captaincy Comeback in 2021 T20 World Cup:

• Context: Pakistan entered the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup with mixed expectations, especially after an inconsistent run in previous T20Is and Babar’s relatively new role as captain.
• Performance: Under Babar’s leadership, Pakistan made a strong comeback, defeating India comprehensively for the first time in a World Cup match with the outstand partnership of 152 runs with Mohammad Rizwan. Babar’s consistent performances with the bat and calm leadership helped Pakistan reach the semi-finals, showcasing his ability to thrive under pressure.

Legacy and Impact

Impact on the Game

Babar Azam is regarded as one of the finest batsmen of his generation. His consistency and elegance have had a significant impact on Pakistan cricket, inspiring young cricketers across the country.

Inspirations and Mentorship

Babar has often cited players like AB de Villiers and Virat Kohli as inspirations. He also mentors young cricketers, providing guidance and support to upcoming talents in Pakistan.

Quotes by/from Player

Babar often emphasizes hard work and dedication. One of his notable quotes is:

I believe in working hard and letting my bat do the talking.

Media and Endorsements

Media Appearances

Babar has made numerous media appearances, including interviews, talk shows, and cricket analysis programs. He is a popular figure in the cricketing media.

Endorsements

Babar has endorsement deals with several major brands, including Pepsi, Head & Shoulders, and Oppo, among others. His marketability is a testament to his popularity and success.

Future Plans

Post-Retirement Plans

While Babar is still in the prime of his career, he has expressed interest in coaching and mentoring young cricketers post-retirement.

Involvement in Cricket Post-Retirement

Babar plans to remain involved in cricket through coaching, commentary, and potentially taking up administrative roles within cricket boards. His aim is to contribute to the growth and development of cricket in Pakistan.

Conclusion

Over the years, Babar Azam has shown tremendous consistency across all formats and is considered as one of the best players in the history of Pakistan cricket. His impeccable stats are a proof of his achievements and it wouldn’t be a surprise if he breaks several records in future.