Babar Azam Explained: Pakistan's Most Elegant Modern Batter
How a right-handed batter from Lahore became Pakistan's most celebrated modern cricketer — reaching number one in all three ICC batting rankings simultaneously and establishing himself as one of the finest stroke-makers of his generation.
Babar Azam (born 15 October 1994 in Lahore, Pakistan) is a right-handed batter who plays for Pakistan. He is Pakistan's most celebrated modern cricketer — a technically elegant stroke-maker who reached the number one position in all three ICC batting rankings simultaneously (Test, ODI, and T20I), a feat achieved by only a handful of batters in cricket history. His cover drive is considered one of the most technically perfect in modern cricket.
Triple ICC Ranking Number One
Babar Azam simultaneously held the number one position in ICC Test, ODI, and T20I batting rankings — a distinction that only a small number of batters (including Virat Kohli) have achieved at the same time across all three formats. Being ranked number one in a single format requires exceptional performance over a sustained period against high-quality opposition; being number one in all three formats simultaneously means performing at the highest level in three formats that require different skills, different approaches, and different physical demands.
The Cover Drive
Babar's cover drive is considered one of the most technically perfect in modern cricket — a shot that cricket coaches use to demonstrate correct off-side driving technique. The cover drive requires the batter to drive through the covers with an angled bat face, generating power and direction from the timing of the hit rather than brute strength. Babar's cover drive is generated from a high elbow, complete follow-through, and precise footwork that positions him ideally to hit through the off side — executed consistently against fast bowling and spin alike.
Pakistan Captain
Babar captained Pakistan across all three international formats — at times simultaneously leading in Test, ODI, and T20I cricket. Pakistan's captaincy has historically been one of cricket's most pressured positions: Pakistan cricket's internal politics, the scrutiny of a passionate cricket nation, and the expectation of ICC tournament success create demands on Pakistan captains that are among the most intense in the sport. His captaincy was praised for his calm leadership style and his ability to maintain team culture through result fluctuations. He resigned from all captaincy in 2024 following Pakistan's group-stage exit at the T20 World Cup.
PSL and Franchise Cricket
Babar plays in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) — Pakistan's domestic T20 franchise competition that features six teams and has produced several Pakistan international cricketers. His PSL performances and his performances for other franchise teams globally have confirmed his status as one of the most sought-after batters in T20 franchise cricket. His PSL presence is central to the competition's commercial appeal: Babar's fan following in Pakistan makes him one of the sport's most commercially valuable cricketers.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Babar Azam?
Babar Azam (born 15 October 1994, Lahore) is Pakistan's most celebrated modern cricketer — a technically elegant right-handed batter who simultaneously held the number one position in all three ICC batting rankings (Test, ODI, T20I). His cover drive is considered one of the most technically perfect in modern cricket.
What is Babar Azam's most famous achievement?
Simultaneously being ranked number one in all three ICC batting rankings — Test, ODI, and T20I — a feat achieved by only a small number of batters in cricket history (including Virat Kohli). It reflects exceptional performance across all three formats over a sustained period.
Is Babar Azam related to other Pakistan cricketers?
Yes — he is cousins with Kamran Akmal, Umar Akmal, and Adnan Akmal, all of whom played international cricket for Pakistan. The Akmal family is one of Pakistan cricket's most prominent cricketing families.