Babar Azam, the name synonymous with elegant Strokeplay and consistent batting performances, is the current heartthrob of Pakistani cricket. But beyond the cover drives and record-breaking innings, there’s more to this cricketing phenomenon.
For you, we have put together his cricketing journey, unique technique, and the lesser-known facts that make him who he is.
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The Rise of Babar Azam
Babar Azam’s rise from a young talent to a cricket superstar has been a remarkable journey.
His talent was evident from a young age, with his cricketing lineage from a family of cricketers like Kamran and Umar Akmal providing inspiration.
Making his international debut in 2015, he also quickly made an impact by becoming the third Pakistani player to score a century in his ODI debut.
I have not seen a player with such talent, such a good technique, and so many shots in his armory since I last saw Sachin Tendulkar when I was at Lancashire in 1989.
Imran Khan, former Captain and PM
In November 2019, Pakistan’s national cricket team handed the captaincy of their limited-overs formats to Babar Azam.
Since then, he has racked up numerous records, including becoming the fastest Pakistani player to reach 5,000 runs in international cricket. And scoring the most runs for Pakistan in a single World Cup.
10 Lesser-Known Facts about Babar Azam
With many out there to know, here are ten lesser-known facts about him:
- Babar Azam was the captain of the Pakistan U19 team and was the leading run-scorer in the ICC U-19 World Cup in 2012, scoring 287 runs from six matches at 57.40.
- He is the first cousin of famous Pakistan cricketers Kamran and Umar Akmal.
- Babar Azam made his international debut in the third ODI against Zimbabwe at Lahore in May 2015, scoring 54 off 60 balls, which included 4 sixes.
- He made his Test debut against West Indies in October 2016 in a day-night encounter, becoming only the second cricketer to do so after Mitchell Santner.
- Babar Azam has been involved in an alleged love affair, with a woman named Hamiza Mukhtar. Accusing him of luring her into the trap of marriage and then exploiting her.
- He is known for his extra cover shots, a technique that has earned him the nickname “King Babar Azam”.
- Babar Azam is the first Pakistani cricketer to score a century in all three formats of the game.
- He has a unique batting style that involves playing the ball late and using his wrists to generate power.
- Babar Azam was named the captain of the T20I team of the year in 2022.
- He is a fan of the Indian Premier League (IPL) team, Mumbai Indians, and has expressed his admiration for their former captain, Rohit Sharma.
Babar Azam’s Technique: A Masterclass in Batting
Babar Azam’s batting technique is a thing of beauty. His balanced stance, precise footwork, remarkable timing and control, cover drives make him a nightmare for bowlers.
Some experts even compare his technique to the legendary batsmanship of Inzamam-ul-Haq, as well.
To wrap, his focus, discipline, and positive attitude are valuable lessons for anyone chasing their dreams.
His consistent performances across all formats make him a truly valuable asset to the Pakistani cricket team. The future of Pakistani batting, and perhaps even world cricket, undoubtedly shines bright with Babar Azam at the helm.
