Pakistan's finest modern batsman — ranked simultaneously number one in all three international formats.
Babar Azam was born in Lahore, Pakistan in 1994. Three of his cousins — Kamran Akmal, Umar Akmal and Adnan Akmal — also played international cricket for Pakistan. He made his international debut in 2015. He became the first cricketer ever to be simultaneously ranked number one in all three international formats — Tests, ODIs and T20Is — a feat achieved in 2021. His batting average across formats is among the highest of any active batsman. His technique — upright stance, straight bat, elegant cover drives and the ability to accelerate when required — draws comparison to Virat Kohli by many analysts. He became Pakistan's white-ball captain and subsequently the full-time captain across formats. He led Pakistan to the 2022 Asia Cup. A significant dip in form in 2023-24, including the T20 World Cup early exit, generated significant scrutiny and debate about his captaincy. He resigned as captain of the T20 side following the 2024 T20 World Cup group-stage exit. He remains Pakistan's most important batting asset and the country's most recognised international cricketer.
ICC Men's Cricketer of Year (2022)
Career Honours
- ICC Men's Cricketer of Year (2022)
- Asia Cup 2022
- ICC T20 number one ranking
- ODI number one ranking