Pakistan captain Babar Azam history

 

Babar Azam, the talented cricketer from Pakistan, has made a significant impact in the world of cricket with his impressive skills and consistent performances. This article will delve into the history and journey of Babar Azam, covering his early life, domestic career, international achievements, and his rise to becoming the captain of the Pakistan cricket team.

Early Life and Cricketing Beginnings

Babar Azam was born on October 15, 1994, in Lahore, Pakistan. Hailing from a cricketing family, with his uncle, Akmal brothers (Kamran, Umar, and Adnan), and brother, Kamran Akmal, all having represented Pakistan at various levels, Babar was destined to follow in their footsteps. He grew up idolizing the legendary Pakistani batsman, Javed Miandad, and aspired to emulate his success.

At a young age, Babar Azam exhibited exceptional cricketing talent. He honed his skills by playing street cricket in Lahore and represented his school and local clubs. Recognizing his potential, he was soon selected for the Pakistan Under-15 team and subsequently progressed to the Under-19 level.

Domestic Career

Babar Azam made his domestic cricket debut for the Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL) team in 2010. His performances in the domestic circuit were outstanding, and he quickly rose through the ranks. In 2012, he made his debut in Pakistan's premier domestic tournament, the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.

His consistent run-scoring ability and impressive technique caught the attention of the national selectors. In 2015, Babar Azam was called up to the Pakistan national team for the limited-overs series against Zimbabwe, marking the beginning of his international career.

International Debut and Rise

Babar Azam made his international debut on May 31, 2015, in an ODI match against Zimbabwe. He made an immediate impact by scoring a century in only his third ODI, becoming the third Pakistani to achieve this feat. This remarkable start was an indication of the talent and potential he possessed.

Over the years, Babar Azam's stature as a batsman continued to grow. His elegant strokeplay, sound technique, and ability to construct innings earned him accolades from cricket pundits and fans alike. He became a vital cog in Pakistan's batting lineup across all formats.

In 2016, Babar Azam became the fastest player in history to score 1,000 runs in ODI cricket, achieving this feat in just 21 innings. He also recorded the highest average (86.25) for a batsman after ten ODI innings, surpassing the likes of Virat Kohli and Sir Vivian Richards.

Babar's Test debut came in October 2016 against the West Indies. Although he didn't make an immediate impact in the longest format, his potential was evident. In 2018, he became the top-ranked batsman in the ICC T20I rankings, showcasing his adaptability across different formats.

Captaincy and Leadership

Babar Azam's leadership qualities and impressive performances led to him being appointed as the captain of the Pakistan limited-overs team in 2020. He took over the reins from Sarfaraz Ahmed and immediately made an impact with his batting and astute decision-making on the field.

Under Babar's captaincy, Pakistan won several crucial series, including a historic 2-1 victory against South Africa in South Africa in 2021. His ability to lead by example and inspire his teammates has been commendable. As a captain, he has focused on building a strong team culture and fostering unity within the squad.

Babar Azam has also led Pakistan in the T20 World Cup and has been instrumental in guiding the team to important victories. His calm demeanor and strategic mindset have earned him praise as a leader.

Individual Achievements and Records

Babar Azam's remarkable batting prowess has resulted in numerous individual achievements and records throughout his career. He holds the record for being the fastest player to reach 13 centuries in ODI cricket, achieving the feat in just 76 innings.

In 2020, Babar Azam became the fastest batsman to score 2,000 runs in T20I cricket, reaching the milestone in just 52 innings. He has consistently been ranked among the top batsmen in all formats, with his elegant batting style and consistent run-scoring ability drawing comparisons to the legendary Virat Kohli and Steve Smith.

Conclusion

Babar Azam's journey from a talented young cricketer in Lahore to the captain of the Pakistan cricket team is a testament to his hard work, determination, and exceptional talent. He has emerged as one of the finest batsmen in the world, with a remarkable record across all formats of the game.

With his elegant strokeplay, solid technique, and ability to adapt to different conditions, Babar Azam has become the backbone of Pakistan's batting lineup. His leadership skills and captaincy have further strengthened his influence on the team.

As Babar Azam continues to evolve as a player and a leader, his fans and cricket enthusiasts around the world eagerly await his future achievements, expecting him to cement his place among the cricketing greats.