Babar Azam

Pakistani batter and former national captain regarded as one of the finest modern batting technicians across formats.

In 2021, Babar Azam became the first cricketer in history to hold the ICC number one ranking in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is simultaneously, confirming him as the most consistently brilliant batsman across all formats of his generation and the most recognizable face of Pakistan cricket. Three of his cousins — wicket-keeper Kamran Akmal and batsmen Umar Akmal and Adnan Akmal — had already established themselves as Pakistan internationals. Babar's early cricket education came through local clubs in Lahore, where his elegant batting technique quickly distinguished him from his peers. Babar made his international debut in 2015 and rapidly established himself as Pakistan's premier batsman across all formats. His breakthrough came through consistent performances in One Day Internationals, where his classical technique and ability to construct innings earned him comparisons to modern greats. By the late 2010s, he had become Pakistan's most dependable batsman, regularly anchoring the team's innings with measured aggression and technical proficiency. His upright stance, straight-bat play, and trademark cover drives became hallmarks of his style. The pinnacle of Babar's individual achievements came in 2021 when he became the first cricketer in history to simultaneously hold the number one ICC ranking in all three international formats — Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. This unprecedented feat underscored his versatility and consistency across cricket's varying demands. His batting averages across formats rank among the highest of contemporary players, reflecting his ability to adapt his game to different conditions and situations. Appointed as Pakistan's white-ball captain and later full-time captain across all formats, Babar led the team through various campaigns including the 2022 Asia Cup. However, a significant decline in form during 2023-24, culminating in Pakistan's early exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup, intensified scrutiny of his leadership. Following the tournament's group-stage elimination, he resigned from T20 captaincy while retaining his position as the team's most crucial batting asset and Pakistan's most recognisable cricketer globally.

Elegant right-handed batsman known for his classical technique and consistency

Established himself as Pakistan's premier batsman and captain across all formats

• ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year 2021, 2022
• ICC Men's ODI Team of the Year captain multiple years