Mohammad Babar Azam (born 15 October 1994) is a Pakistani international cricketer and one of the leading batters in modern-day cricket. A technically gifted right-handed batsman, he represents the Pakistan national cricket team in all three formats and has served as the team’s captain across formats during various stages of his career. Babar is widely regarded for his elegant strokeplay, consistency, and leadership, and has often been compared to some of the finest batters of the current generation.
Early Life and Background
Babar Azam was born in Lahore, the capital city of the Punjab province of Pakistan, into a cricket-loving family. He is a cousin of former Pakistan cricketers Kamran Akmal and Umar Akmal, and grew up watching them play at the national level. Inspired by their journey, Babar developed an early interest in the sport and often played cricket in the streets and grounds of Lahore.
He received his early education from Ali Education System and later attended The Lords International School. Babar’s formal training began at a young age when he joined a local cricket academy in Lahore. He trained under experienced coaches and represented various underage teams for Punjab, including the Pakistan Under-15, Under-17, and Under-19 sides.
Domestic Career
Babar’s domestic career began with Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited and later Islamabad Leopards, where his steady performances earned attention. He made his first-class debut for Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited in 2010 and quickly rose through the ranks in Pakistan’s domestic structure.
He was a standout performer in the 2012 ICC Under-19 World Cup, where he served as Pakistan’s captain and finished as one of the top run-scorers in the tournament. His impressive technique and temperament at a young age made him a candidate for national selection.
In domestic cricket, Babar played for Central Punjab, one of the top regional teams in Pakistan’s first-class system. He consistently scored heavily in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy and other national tournaments, which eventually cemented his place in the national setup.
PSL / Franchise Career
Although Pakistani players have not featured in the [Indian Premier League] since 2008, Babar Azam has made a name for himself in other global T20 leagues. He is a star performer in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he has represented teams like Karachi Kings and later Peshawar Zalmi.
Babar was the leading run-scorer in PSL 2020, helping Karachi Kings lift their maiden title. Known for his anchoring role and stylish cover drives, he has been a consistent performer in the PSL and holds the record for the most runs in PSL history.
Internationally, Babar has played in other franchise leagues, including the Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Bangladesh Premier League (BPL). However, he has remained most prominent in Pakistan’s domestic and PSL circuits due to national commitments.
International Career
Debuts and Early Years
Babar made his One Day International (ODI) debut against Zimbabwe on 31 May 2015 in Lahore. His calm demeanor and crisp strokeplay were evident from his first outing. He made his T20 International debut against England on 7 September 2016 and his Test debut against West Indies on 13 October 2016 in Dubai.
He quickly established himself as a mainstay in Pakistan’s batting lineup across formats. In 2016, he became only the third Pakistani player to score centuries in three consecutive ODIs, joining the likes of Zaheer Abbas and Saeed Anwar.
Rise as a World-Class Batsman
Babar’s form remained exceptional in limited-overs cricket. In 2019, during the ICC Cricket World Cup, he was Pakistan’s top scorer, registering a match-winning century against New Zealand and finishing among the tournament’s top 10 run-getters.
In red-ball cricket, Babar gradually grew into his role, scoring consistent runs in Test series against South Africa, Australia, and Sri Lanka. By 2021, he had become one of the few players to average over 50 across all formats simultaneously.
Captaincy
Babar Azam was appointed T20I captain in 2019, followed by ODI captaincy in 2020 and Test captaincy in 2021. Under his leadership, Pakistan reached the semi-finals of the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup, beating India for the first time in a World Cup match — a historic win led by Babar’s unbeaten 68*.
He also led the team to the final of the 2022 T20 World Cup, though they were narrowly defeated by England. Babar’s calm leadership style, strategic acumen, and leading-by-example approach drew praise from cricketing legends around the world.
Playing Style and Strengths
Babar Azam is a right-handed top-order batsman, known for his classical technique, graceful strokeplay, and excellent temperament. He is particularly strong on the off-side, with his cover drive being considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing shots in modern cricket.
He plays pace and spin with equal confidence and has shown the ability to adapt to different conditions around the world. Babar often anchors the innings and accelerates when needed, making him a vital asset in both ODIs and T20s.
In Test matches, his patience and footwork against quality bowlers have drawn comparisons to legends like Kane Williamson and Virat Kohli.
Records and Achievements
- Fastest player to 1000 runs in T20Is (26 innings)
- Fastest Pakistani to 1000, 2000, and 3000 ODI runs
- Most runs in a single PSL season – Over 600 runs in 2020
- ICC Men’s ODI Player of the Year 2021
- ICC Men’s Player of the Month – Multiple times
- Only Pakistani to be ranked No.1 in ICC ODI batting rankings since 2006
Personal Life
Babar Azam maintains a relatively low-profile personal life. He is known to be private and focused on his cricketing career. He holds a degree in commerce and is fluent in Urdu and English.
His humility, discipline, and clean off-field image have made him a role model for aspiring cricketers in Pakistan and beyond.
Endorsements and Media Presence
Due to his growing popularity, Babar Azam has signed endorsement deals with major brands including:
- Pepsi Pakistan
- HS Sports (cricket bats)
- Head & Shoulders
- HBL (Habib Bank Limited)
He has a massive following on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, often sharing behind-the-scenes moments, training routines, and interactions with fans. His clean-cut image and sportsmanlike conduct have made him a media favorite in Pakistan and internationally.
In Popular Culture
Babar Azam is often referred to as the “Prince of Pakistani Cricket”, a nickname that reflects both his elegance and promise. His rise has been widely covered by Pakistani and international media, including cricket documentaries and expert panels on ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, and Sky Sports.
Several short films and animated features have been produced to celebrate his journey, particularly following Pakistan’s victory over India in the 2021 T20 World Cup.
See Also
- [Pakistan national cricket team]
- [List of Pakistan ODI cricketers]
- [Pakistan Super League]
- [2022 T20 World Cup Final]
- [Virat Kohli]
