SIX6S SCORE – Mohammad Babar Azam is a name synonymous with excellence in contemporary world cricket. Widely regarded as one of the finest batters, he holds the unique distinction of being among the top five ranked players across all formats. Currently, he reigns as the number one batter in ODIs, while holding the fourth position in both T20Is and Tests. This article takes an inside look at the remarkable journey of Babar Azam’s cricketing life, with a special focus on his performances in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Early Days and Inspiration
Babar Azam’s journey into cricket began in the heart of Lahore, where he grew up in the Walled City. He fondly recalls his days playing cricket on the streets, deeply inspired by his older cousins, Kamran and Umar Akmal, who were already making waves in the cricketing world. These early encounters with the sport nurtured his passion and set him on the path to becoming a professional cricketer.
He started his journey at a local cricket academy, learning the fundamentals of batting under the guidance of his first coach, Rana Sadiq. It was here that he laid the foundation for a successful career. His hard work and determination eventually earned him a spot in the Pakistan U-19 setup, where he continued to hone his skills.
Making His Mark
Babar Azam’s entry into international cricket was no less than a revelation. His ODI debut against Zimbabwe in 2015 showcased his immense talent as he notched up an impressive fifty, scoring 54 runs off 60 balls. This debut performance quickly led to his inclusion in both the Test and ODI squads for an away series against Sri Lanka.
However, his initial international appearances didn’t see him replicate his domestic success, with modest scores in early games. Yet, Azam’s persistence paid off. In a series against the West Indies in 2016, he scored his maiden international century, followed by two more consecutive centuries in the same series, setting a new record for the most runs in a three-match ODI series.
Versatility Across Formats
Babar Azam has been a versatile performer, proving his mettle across all formats of the game. He made his Test debut against the West Indies in 2016, becoming the first player to score a half-century on Test debut in a day/night Test match.
In ODIs, Azam has consistently climbed the rankings, becoming the fastest player to reach 1,000 runs in ODIs for Pakistan. He also played a pivotal role in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy victory in 2017.
In T20Is, Babar’s batting prowess is well known, and he became the fastest player to score 2,000 runs in this format, reaching the milestone in just 52 innings. His recent accomplishments in T20Is include becoming the first captain to score three centuries.
Leadership Roles
Babar Azam’s leadership journey is equally impressive. He was named the vice-captain of the Pakistan cricket team in both ODIs and T20Is in 2019. His consistent performances in these formats earned him this significant role.
Azam later took over the captaincy of the T20I team, leading Pakistan to victories and climbing the rankings as the number one T20I batsman.
In 2020, he was appointed the captain of the Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and went on to lead the team to victory, earning himself the Player of the Tournament award.
Dominating the PSL
In the PSL, Babar Azam has displayed his incredible talent and consistency. He began his PSL career with Islamabad United but later moved to Karachi Kings in 2017. His performances in the league have been outstanding, with multiple seasons of being the leading run-scorer. Notably, he achieved the highest run tally in the 2020 season and guided Karachi Kings to their maiden PSL title.
In December 2021, he was named the captain of Karachi Kings, further solidifying his leadership role in the PSL. His exceptional batting skills and captaincy have made him one of the standout players in the league.
The Road Ahead
Babar Azam’s journey is a testament to his unwavering dedication and remarkable talent. As he continues to excel in all formats of the game and leads his teams to victory, he remains a symbol of hope and inspiration for young cricketers worldwide.
