Babar Azam:

Cricket, often dubbed as a religion in Pakistan, has witnessed many legends gracing the field over the years. But one name that has been echoing across stadiums and hearts around the world in recent times is that of Mohammad Babar Azam. Born on October 15, 1994, in Lahore, Babar Azam has not only carved his name in the annals of Pakistan cricket history but has also become a global cricketing sensation. This blog takes you on a captivating journey through the life and career of this remarkable cricketer.

Babar Azam’s Early Life:

Babar Azam’s cricketing saga began in the streets of Lahore, Pakistan. He reminisces about his childhood, “playing cricket and roaming around like a free bird in those streets.” His older cousins, Kamran and Umar Akmal, played a significant role in nurturing his love for the sport. Inspired by their stories, he decided to make cricket his profession.

Azam’s journey from a ball boy at Gaddafi Stadium to a renowned international cricketer is a testament to his dedication and passion for the game. Under the guidance of his first coach, Rana Sadiq, he learned the fundamentals of batting and honed his skills. His journey through the Pakistan U-19 setup laid the foundation for his international career.

Early Career:

Babar Azam’s meteoric rise in international cricket started in May 2015 when he made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe. In the third ODI of the series, he displayed his class by scoring an impressive fifty. His performance earned him a place in the Test and ODI squads for an away series against Sri Lanka, marking the beginning of his journey in the longer format.

Azam continued to impress with his consistent performances, whether it was in ODI series against England or T20Is against Ireland. In 2016, he made his Test debut against the West Indies, becoming the first player to score a fifty on his Test debut in a day/night Test.

Rise in Shorter Formats and Breaking Records.

As Azam continued to cement his place in the Pakistani cricket team, his prowess in the shorter formats of the game became evident. In the ODI series against Australia, he became the fastest player to score 1,000 runs in ODIs. He also played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s victory in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy.

Babar Azam’s journey in T20 cricket was equally impressive. He played a significant role in Pakistan’s victories against the World XI and emerged as the top run-scorer in the series. His T20 performances led to him becoming the No. 1 T20I batsman, a remarkable feat.

Test Performances and Leadership Roles

Azam’s success wasn’t limited to white-ball cricket. He made a strong mark in Test cricket as well. In the second Test against New Zealand in November 2018, he scored his first Test century, displaying his adaptability across all formats.

His career continued to reach new heights when he was named vice-captain for the ODI and T20I teams in September 2019. His consistency in these formats led to his appointment as the captain of Pakistan’s T20I side in October 2019.

No. 1 ODI Batsman:

In April 2021, Babar Azam achieved another milestone by becoming the No. 1 ODI batsman, surpassing Virat Kohli. He reached this milestone by scoring his 13th ODI century, making him the quickest to reach this mark.

2021–Present

Babar Azam’s journey continued to be a source of inspiration for cricket fans around the world. He scored his maiden T20I century against South Africa and achieved many records along the way. In the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, he led Pakistan to the semi-finals and regained his position as the No. 1 T20I batsman.

In 2022, Azam broke multiple records, including becoming the highest run-scorer in Test cricket for Pakistan in that year. His consistent performances led Pakistan to become the No. 1 ODI team after 33 years.

A Glorious Journey Continues

As of April 2023, Babar Azam’s journey remains one of the most captivating tales in modern cricket. From the streets of Lahore to the summit of international cricket, he has not only earned accolades but also inspired a generation of aspiring cricketers. His ability to excel in all formats of the game and his leadership on the field make him a true cricketing icon.

As Babar Azam continues to etch his name in the annals of cricket history, fans around the world eagerly anticipate the chapters he will add to his already remarkable story. His journey is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and dedication in achieving greatness in the world of sports. Babar Azam is not just a cricketer; he is an inspiration and a symbol of hope for all those who dream of making it big in the world of cricket.