Babar Azam, a prominent figure in contemporary cricket, has made significant strides both as a batsman and as the captain of the Pakistan National Cricket Team. With a blend of talent, technique, and tenacity, he has established himself as a mainstay in the cricketing arena.
Babar Azam: The Rising Star of Pakistan Cricket
Babar Azam, born on October 15, 1994, in Lahore, Punjab, has emerged as one of the most prolific batsmen in the world of cricket. With a batting style that combines grace with power, Babar has set numerous records and has become the backbone of the Pakistan cricket team in all formats.
Early Career
Babar’s journey in cricket began at a young age. His talent was evident when he represented Pakistan in the Under-19 World Cup not once, but twice.
First, as a fifteen-year-old in 2010 and then as the team’s captain in 2012. Although Pakistan couldn’t clinch the title, Babar’s performance as the top run-scorer for his team was commendable.
His consistent performances at the Under-19 level and in domestic cricket paved the way for his inclusion in the national side.
He made his mark in the domestic circuit playing for teams like Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited, where he made his First-Class debut in 2010.
International Debut
Babar’s international debut came in an ODI against Zimbabwe at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on May 31, 2015. He didn’t disappoint, scoring a fluent fifty and showcasing his potential.
His Test debut was against the West Indies at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on October 13, 2016. In T20Is, he made his mark against England at Emirates Old Trafford on September 7, 2016.
Domestic and Franchise Cricket
Babar Azam’s domestic journey is as illustrious as his international one. His initiation into the domestic circuit began with the Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited, where he played from the 2010/11 season to the 2013/14 season.
His prowess with the bat was evident, and he soon found himself playing for the Islamabad Leopards during the 2012/13 and 2014/15 seasons.
In the 2014/15 season, Babar represented the State Bank of Pakistan, further showcasing his adaptability across different teams and conditions.
His performances caught the eye of T20 franchises, and he was soon drafted into Islamabad United for the 2016 season, donning the squad number 31.
Karachi Kings, a prominent franchise in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), secured Babar’s services from 2017 to 2022, where he played with the squad number 56. His stint with the Kings was marked by several match-winning performances, making him a fan favorite.
Babar’s T20 expertise wasn’t just limited to Pakistan. He ventured overseas, playing for the Guyana Amazon Warriors and the Sylhet Sixers in 2017.
The English county circuit also witnessed Babar’s class when he played for Somerset during the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
Back home, Babar continued to be a dominant force in the domestic scene. He represented the Central Punjab team from the 2019/20 season onwards. In a recent move, Babar was seen plying his trade for Peshawar Zalmi in the 2023 season.
Babar’s journey in the domestic and franchise cricket world is a testament to his versatility and consistency.
Whether it’s the fiery pace of the PSL or the swinging conditions of English county, Babar has stamped his authority, making him one of the most sought-after cricketers in the T20 franchise world.
Babar Azam: A Glimpse into the Personal Life of Pakistan’s Cricket Phenomenon
Babar Azam, the cricketing sensation from Pakistan, has not only made waves with his impeccable batting skills but has also garnered attention for his personal life.
Born on October 15, 1994, in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan, Babar hails from a cricketing lineage. His father, Azam Siddique, was a notable figure in Pakistan’s domestic cricket circuit.
It was inevitable that Babar would be introduced to the sport at a tender age, given the cricketing environment he grew up in.
Family Ties and Early Life
Babar’s initiation into cricket began when he was just five, playing with a tennis ball. His father, recognizing the budding talent in him, took on the role of his coach.
Babar’s dedication and hard work bore fruit when he was selected for the Pakistan Under-15 team at a mere age of 13. This was just the beginning of his illustrious journey.
He further represented Pakistan at the Under-19 level and eventually made his debut for the senior team in 2015.
Babar’s family has been his pillar of strength. He has two brothers, Safeer Azam and Rizwan Azam, and a sister, Faria Azam.
The cricketing genes run deep in the family, with his brothers also having played cricket at the domestic level.
Moreover, Babar’s cousins, Kamran Akmal, Umar Akmal, and Adnan Akmal, are well-known figures in the cricketing world.
A Private Affair
Despite being in the limelight, Babar is known for his reserved nature. He keeps his personal life under wraps and away from the prying eyes of the media.
However, in June 2021, news broke that Babar got engaged to his cousin, Hamiza Mukhtar. The engagement was a private affair, attended by close family and friends.
Hamiza, known for her beauty and grace, became the center of attention post the announcement. The couple, though engaged, has not tied the knot yet.
He is a devout Muslim and often emphasizes how his faith has been a guiding force in his cricketing journey. He is frequently seen performing religious duties on the field and credits his success to Allah.
Apart from his cricketing achievements, Babar is also recognized for his charitable endeavors. In 2021, he was appointed as the goodwill ambassador for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Pakistan.
In this role, he champions the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and motivates the youth of Pakistan to actively contribute to their realization.
Babar’s sense of social responsibility is evident in his various charitable initiatives. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, he auctioned his bat to raise funds for relief efforts in Pakistan.
Furthermore, he has been an advocate for education, especially emphasizing the importance of girls’ education in Pakistan.
Babar Azam’s Financial Journey: From the Cricket Pitch to Luxurious Assets
Babar Azam, the prodigious talent from Pakistan, is not just known for his impeccable cover drives and consistent performances on the cricket field but also for the life he has built off it.
As the captain of the Pakistan National Cricket Team, his financial growth mirrors his meteoric rise in the world of cricket.
Net Worth and Earnings
Babar Azam’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 million (approximately INR 40 crore) as of 2023. His primary source of income is cricket, but endorsements and advertisements significantly boost his earnings.
As one of Pakistan’s highest-paid cricketers, Babar is on the category A list across all formats. His monthly income from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is PKR 1.25 million (approximately INR 5.4 lakh).
Additionally, his salary from the Pakistan Super League (PSL) stands at PKR 2,30,44,000. His annual income, combining cricket, endorsements, and advertisements, exceeds INR 10 crores.
PSL Earnings
Babar’s association with the Karachi Kings in the PSL has been a lucrative one. Starting in the Silver category in 2016, where players fetched a contract of $25,000 (approximately Rs 20 lakh), he quickly moved up the ranks.
By 2019, he was in the Platinum category, earning $130,000 (approximately Rs 1.03 crore). Over seven PSL seasons, Babar has amassed over Rs 5 crore.
Brand Endorsements
With a massive social media following – 2.3 million on Instagram and 3.5 million on Twitter – Babar is a sought-after name for brand endorsements in Pakistan.
He has been associated with brands like Oppo, Head & Shoulders, HBL, Huawei, Credit Book, and Free Fire, among others.
His exact fee per endorsement remains undisclosed, but he’s undoubtedly among the top earners in this segment in Pakistan.
Assets and Lifestyle
Babar’s luxurious home in Lahore is a testament to his success. Located in one of the city’s poshest areas, the house boasts contemporary interiors, a lush green backyard, and a small gym.
The hall room, adorned with chesterfield sofas and ceramic tiles, proudly displays Babar’s numerous cricketing achievements.
Car and Bike Collection
Babar’s love for speed is evident in his impressive collection of cars and bikes. He owns an Audi A5 and a BAIC BJ40 Plus jeep, the latter being a reward for his Man of the Series performance against Australia in April 2022.
His bike collection includes a Yamaha R1 and a BMW RR 310. Additionally, he received a superbike for his outstanding performance against the West Indies in 2018.
8 Babar Azam’s Biggest Controversy
Babar Azam, the prodigious talent of Pakistan cricket, has been the talk of the town not just for his impeccable cricketing skills but also for a series of controversies that have surrounded him in recent times.
As the captain of the Pakistan cricket team, Azam’s actions, both on and off the field, have been under the microscope, leading to a mix of admiration and criticism from fans and experts alike.
1. The Nets Controversy
Babar Azam faced backlash for bringing his brother to the nets for practice. Critics argued that such a move could be seen as nepotism, potentially undermining the meritocracy that should be inherent in professional sports.
2. Number Plate Saga
Azam was embroiled in another controversy related to a car number plate that allegedly violated certain rules. This incident, while seemingly minor, added to the growing list of off-field issues associated with the cricketer.
3. The Shan Masood Incident
Former cricketers weighed in on a controversial incident involving Babar Azam and Shahid Afridi over Shan Masood. The details of the incident remain unclear, but it was significant enough to draw attention and comments from cricketing veterans.
4. Altercation with Security Personnel
In a rather serious incident, Babar Azam was caught in a heated altercation with security personnel. Such confrontations can have significant implications, especially for someone in a leadership position.
5. Betting Firm Endorsement
In a move that garnered mixed reactions, Babar Azam refused to endorse a betting firm, unlike the Pakistan Super League. His decision, while personal, sparked debates about the ethics of sports betting endorsements.
6. On-Field Spats
Babar Azam’s temperament was tested during Pakistan’s 2nd ODI win over Afghanistan, where he lost his cool following a ‘Mankad’ controversy involving Shadab Khan. Such incidents, while part of the game’s passion, can sometimes overshadow the actual sport.
7. Venue Controversy for ODI World Cup 2023
Azam found himself at odds with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) over the choice of venue for the India vs. Pakistan match in the ODI World Cup 2023. Such disagreements, while not uncommon, can strain the relationship between players and the board.
8. Alleged Online Scandal
In a more personal and potentially damaging controversy, Babar Azam was allegedly involved in an online scandal where intimate chats and videos were leaked. Such incidents can have profound effects on a player’s mental well-being and public image.
Babar Azam’s Best Moments: A Journey of Triumphs
Babar Azam, the prodigious talent from Pakistan, has had a cricketing journey filled with remarkable moments.
From his domestic cricket days to his international stints, Babar has given cricket enthusiasts countless memories to cherish. Here’s a look at some of the most iconic moments in his career:
1. Triumph Over New Zealand in the World Cup
In a must-win World Cup match against New Zealand, Babar Azam showcased his class and temperament.
He scored a match-winning unbeaten 101, anchoring Pakistan’s reply to New Zealand’s score of 237 for six at Edgbaston.
This innings was not just about the runs but the situation, the pressure, and the stakes. Babar himself termed this 101* match-winning knock as the best innings of his career.
2. Historic Win Against England
Babar Azam’s prowess was on full display during a T20 match against England in Karachi. Partnering with Mohammad Rizwan, the duo pulled off a record-breaking run-chase to level the T20I series.
Babar’s scintillating 110 from 66 balls, combined with Rizwan’s 88 from 51 deliveries, saw Pakistan chase down a target of 200 with three balls to spare.
This partnership set a new record for the highest chase in all men’s T20s without losing a wicket. Babar’s century in this match made him the first Pakistani batter to score two T20I centuries.
3. Beating Arch-Rivals India
For any Pakistani cricketer, a win against India is always special. Babar Azam considers the victory against India in the T20 World Cup as one of the best moments of 2021.
The win was not just a testament to Pakistan’s cricketing skills but also a moment of immense national pride.
4. Earning Comparisons with Don Bradman
Babar’s consistent performances have led many to draw parallels between him and cricketing legends. An article from The Daily Star even went on to say that Babar Azam is no less than Don Bradman, a statement that speaks volumes about Babar’s impact on the game.
5. Reflecting on 2021
In an interview with Daily Times, Babar Azam shared his reflections on the year 2021. He mentioned that the best moment for him was when Pakistan won against India in the T20 World Cup. On the other hand, the worst moment was when they lost to Australia.
FAQ - Everything You Need To Know About Babar Azam
Who is Babar Azam in the world of cricket?
Babar Azam is a renowned Pakistani cricketer, known for his impeccable batting skills and leadership as the captain of the Pakistan National Cricket Team.
When did Babar Azam make his debut in international cricket?
Babar Azam made his debut for Pakistan in the ODI format against Zimbabwe on May 31, 2015.
What batting position does Babar Azam generally play at?
Babar Azam primarily bats at the number three position in ODIs and T20s, showcasing his role as a top-order batsman.
What is Babar Azam's playing style?
Babar Azam is known for his elegant stroke play, technical prowess, and the ability to anchor innings. His cover drives and pull shots are particularly admired by cricket enthusiasts worldwide.
