Contents List
Who is the King of Cricket in Pakistan?
The crowd at Gaddafi Stadium was louder than thunder. Pakistan was up against South Africa in a high-voltage T20, chasing 204 runs — a total that once seemed like a mountain. It was one of those nights where hearts beat in unison, palms were sweaty, and everyone had only one name on their lips: Babar Azam.
As he walked out to bat, there was a hush, not out of fear — out of reverence. The ball met the bat, and magic happened. Flicks, cuts, and glorious cover drives flowed like poetry. In just 59 deliveries, Babar struck 122 runs — a knock that not only won the match but etched itself into cricketing folklore.
That night, the nation knew this man wasn’t just a player and the King of Cricket in Pakistan.
Where Passion Meets Pressure
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The air was heavy with humidity, and lights glared down on a packed ground of 25,000 roaring fans. The pitch, flat but with unpredictable bounce, promised a true contest between bat and ball. South Africa had posted a stiff total, and the mood was tense. Pakistan needed a win—not just for the series but for pride.
The opening wicket fell early. Enter Babar Azam — no theatrics, no pumped fists—just calm eyes and a bat ready to carve a path to glory.
Player Spotlight: The Making of The King
Babar Azam: From Ball Boy to Batting Maestro
Babar Azam was born in Lahore in 1994 and was no stranger to cricket’s pulse. As a ball boy during Pakistan’s home matches, he watched stars like Inzamam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Yousuf in action. His dream was audacious yet straightforward: to be on that field one day but as a hero.
He dominated junior cricket and made headlines in the U-19 World Cups of 2010 and 2012. When he made his ODI debut in 2015, fans saw a glimmer of something different. He wasn’t flashy, but a certain silkiness to his strokeplay hinted at greatness.
In ODIs, Babar now boasts over 5,700 runs at an average that hovers around 57 — including a record-setting run of three consecutive centuries against the West Indies. In Tests, he’s equally at ease, often compared to Joe Root and Kane Williamson. In T20s, his consistency is legendary — over 3,400 runs with an ever-growing strike rate.
He’s not just a batsman; he’s an artist with a willow.
Rizwan and Shaheen: The Trusted Lieutenants
A king isn’t a king without his loyal generals. Mohammad Rizwan has become Babar’s perfect partner, passionate, and reliable. Whether chasing daunting totals or building from collapse, the Babar-Rizwan duo has repeatedly saved Pakistan.
On the bowling front, Shaheen Shah Afridi ensures the opposition never settles with his fiery opening spells and toe-crushing yorkers. His early breakthroughs often lay the perfect foundation for Babar’s masterclasses.
Together, this trio represents the new golden era of Pakistan cricket.
Turning Point: The 2019 World Cup and Beyond
The 2019 Cricket World Cup was a defining moment in Babar’s career. Against New Zealand — undefeated at that point — Babar stood tall. Pakistan was wobbling, and the required run rate was climbing. But Babar remained unshaken. He notched up a gritty yet graceful 101*, guiding Pakistan home.
That innings wasn’t just a century; it was a statement.
Post-World Cup, he was handed the captaincy—a role filled with pressure and scrutiny. Pakistan cricket has seen many captains fall under its weight, but Babar thrived. He led by example, often being the team’s highest scorer and most composed presence.
Under his captaincy:
- Pakistan reached the 2022 T20 World Cup final.
- They whitewashed South Africa at home.
- They climbed to the No. 1 spot in ICC ODI rankings in 2023.
The boy who once watched Legends from the Boundary Line had become one.
Legacy Impact: Numbers, Influence, and National Love
When discussing the King of Cricket in Pakistan, we must consider the runs scored and the hearts won.
Record-Breaking Feats:
- Fastest Asian to 5,000 ODI runs
- Most runs in a calendar year by a Pakistani (across formats)
- ICC’s Best ODI Player of the Year for 2021 and 2022.
- Wisden’s Cricketer of the Year: 2023
These aren’t just milestones; they’re legacy markers.
Influence Off the Field:
Babar has changed the face of Pakistani cricket. He’s brought back stability, professionalism, and pride. Younger players look up to him for his stats, work ethic, humility, and focus.
He rarely gets involved in controversy, never plays to the gallery, and lets his bat do the talking — a refreshing change in a drama-filled cricket landscape.
He’s also a favorite in global leagues, bringing class and consistency wherever he plays — from the PSL to the BBL.
Fans’ Perspective: Why Pakistanis Call Him ‘King’
Every era has its icons like Imran in the 1980s, Wasim and Waqar in the 1990s, and now Babar.
Fans adore him not just because he scores but how he scores. That signature cover drive, the flick through mid-wicket, the calm under pressure, it’s all so beautifully composed.
He embodies what every Pakistani cricketer wants to be: stylish, successful, humble.
Walk around any cricket ground in Pakistan, and you’ll see kids mimicking Babar’s stance, adults debating his stats, and everyone defending his crown with unwavering passion.
Babar Azam vs Other Pakistan Cricket Legends
Player | Matches Played | International Runs | Average (All Formats) | Centuries | Captaincy Record |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Babar Azam | 270+ | 12,000+ | 50+ | 30+ | Strong, calm leadership |
Inzamam-ul-Haq | 500+ | 20,000+ | 49.60 | 35 | Tactical & experienced |
Javed Miandad | 400+ | 16,000+ | 45.00 | 31 | Fearless & passionate |
Younis Khan | 408 | 17,790 | 44.42 | 41 | Mentally resilient |
Mohammad Yousuf | 381 | 17,000+ | 46.70 | 39 | Technically gifted |
Long Live the King
Remember that night in Lahore? When did every stroke Babar played feel like poetry?
He wasn’t just scoring runs. He was writing a chapter in Pakistan’s cricket history.
So we ask you, cricket fans:
Is there any doubt about who the King of Cricket is in Pakistan?
6 thoughts on “Who is the King of Cricket in Pakistan? Uncover the Legend Now!”