Babar Azam

From his beginnings in Lahore to his impressive ascent in global cricket, the cricket career of Babar Azam  showcases his dedication, determination, and natural ability of cricket.

The prodigious talent from Lahore has not only rapidly ascended the ranks of international cricket but also captained the Pakistan national team.

His unparalleled dedication, exceptional skill, and a series of records have positioned him as one of the luminaries in the cricketing world.

Babar Azam: The Rising Star of Pakistan Cricket

With his talent, dedication, and hard work, Babar Azam rose from playing in Lahore to captaining the national team, establishing himself as a promising young cricketer from Pakistan.

With numerous records under his belt and a bright future ahead, he is undoubtedly a shining star in the world of cricket

Early Life

Babar Azam, born on October 15, 1994, in Lahore, Punjab, is a right-handed batsman known for his impeccable batting style.

He also bowls right-arm off-break. Babar is related to the famous Akmal cricketing family, being the cousin of Kamran, Umar, and Adnan Akmal.

His early attraction to cricket was influenced by his cousins, and he recalls memories of “playing cricket and roaming around like a free bird” in the streets of Lahore.

Before joining a cricket academy and starting his domestic cricket career, he was a ball boy at Gaddafi Stadium and was present during the home series Pakistan played between 2006 and 2008.

He sought guidance from Rana Sadiq, his first coach, who taught him the fundamentals of batting. Later, he went on to be a part of the Pakistan U-19 setup.

International Career

Babar Azam is the captain of the Pakistan national cricket team across all formats. He is widely regarded as one of the finest batters in contemporary world cricket.

He is the only cricketer in the world to be in the top 5 rankings across all formats, currently ranked as the number one batter in ODIs, fourth in T20Is, and Tests.

With 42 wins, he is the joint most successful T20I captain of all time.

He is Pakistan’s most prolific T20I batter, and his maiden T20I century of 122 against South Africa is the highest individual score by a Pakistani in the format.

Babar was a member of the Pakistan team that won the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy.

Domestic Career

Babar Azam’s journey in domestic cricket has been illustrious. He has played for several teams, including:

• Pakistan U19
• Sylhet Royals
• Pakistan A
• Islamabad United
• Rangpur Riders
• Karachi Kings
• Guyana Amazon Warriors
• Sylhet Sixers
• Somerset
• Dublin Chiefs
• Team White
• Team Green
• Peshawar Zalmi
• Colombo Strikers

Babar’s consistency at the Under-19 level, especially during the tri-series that included Sri Lanka and Bangladesh Under-19 in 2009, made him the leading run-scorer.

This performance pushed the selectors to offer him a chance to play for the national side.

He was named in the Pakistan squad for the Zimbabwe series at home, where he made a debut on his home soil, scoring a fluent fifty.

He then retained his spot for the Sri Lanka tour in July, where he played 2 ODIs of the five-match series (as of August 2015).

Babar Azam: A Story of Cricket Records Breaker

Babar Azam, the captain of the Pakistan cricket team, is not just renowned for his leadership skills but also for his exceptional cricketing records.

His journey in international cricket has been marked by numerous milestones that have solidified his position as one of the modern greats of the game. Here’s a detailed look at some of his significant records:

Top Records

• One-Day Internationals (ODIs):
  • Holds the record for the most runs in a series by a captain with a staggering 1454 runs.
  • Boasts the highest career batting average among Pakistani batsmen with an impressive 56.72.
  • Achieved the milestone of most hundreds in a series with 6 centuries.
  • Recorded fifties in consecutive innings on 3 occasions.
  • Became the fastest to reach 5000 runs in just 97 innings.
  • Notched up a highest partnership for the fifth wicket of 214 runs.
• Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is):
  • Set the record for most consecutive matches as captain of a team with 55 matches.
  • Scored the most runs in an innings by a captain with a score of 122.
  • Accumulated the most fifties in his T20I career with a total of 33 fifties.
  • Struck the most fours in his T20I career, totaling 371 boundaries.
  • Became the fastest to score 3000 runs in T20Is in just 81 innings.
• Combined Test, ODI, and T20I Records:
  • Scored the most runs in a calendar year with a total of 2598 runs.
  • Achieved the feat of scoring hundreds in consecutive innings on 9 occasions.
• Test Records
  • Achieved the 21st position for scoring hundreds in consecutive matches.
  • Holds the 33rd position for scoring fifties in consecutive matches with a total of 8 fifties.
• ODI Records:
  • Holds the record for most runs in a series.
  • Achieved the 14th position for most runs in an innings by batting position with a score of 158.
  • Holds the 4th position for most hundreds in a career with 19 centuries.
  • Achieved the 2nd position for most hundreds against one team.
• T20I Records:
  • Scored the most runs in his T20I career with a total of 3485 runs.
  • Holds the 19th position for most runs in an innings with a score of 939.
  • Achieved the 8th position for most runs on a single ground with 648 runs.
  • Struck the most fours in an innings with 15 boundaries.
  • Became the fastest to score 2500 runs in T20Is in just 62 innings.

Family of Babar Azam: The Pillar Behind the ‘King’ Success

Behind every successful individual, there’s a supporting family. For Babar Azam, the world’s no.1 batsman, his family has been his biggest strength.

As Babar once mentioned about his father on Father’s Day, “Whatever I am today is because of your unwavering dedication and belief in me.”

Family Origins

Babar Azam’s mother tongue is Punjabi, and his family belongs to a Punjabi Muslim background from Lahore. The family is known as the “Azam Family,” with Babar’s father, Azam Siddiqui, being the head.

Immediate Family

Babar Azam’s father, Azam Siddiqui, a humble and proud individual, often seen supporting Babar at cricket grounds.

He has been a teacher and also ran a small “watch repair” stall. Despite limited means, he ensured Babar had everything he needed to pursue his cricketing dreams.

However, contrary to some rumors, Babar Azam’s mother is in good health. During a historic T20 match between Pakistan and India in 2021.

She was on a ventilator while Babar scored 68 runs in 58 balls. She’s now well, as confirmed by Babar’s father on his Instagram.

Babar has two brothers, Safeer Azam and Faisal Azam. Safeer, 21 years old, shares a striking resemblance with Babar and has a passion for heavy bikes.

He’s also pursuing a cricket career and has joined Lahore Qalander’s Virtual Coaching program.

Faisal Azam, the elder brother, born in 1990, tried his hand at cricket but now runs a business and a YouTube channel.

Faariya Azam is Babar’s only sister, around 20 years old. She’s currently studying and is proud of her brother’s achievements in cricket.

Extended Family

Babar is related to the renowned Akmal brothers of the Pakistan Cricket team – Kamran Akmal, Umar Akmal, and Adnan Akmal.

However, contrary to some beliefs, he has no blood relation with former Pakistan cricketer Hammad Azam.

Family’s Role in Babar’s Journey

Babar’s family has played a pivotal role in his cricketing journey. In his early days, his family couldn’t afford a cricket kit, leading his mother to sell her jewelry to buy him one.

With his cousins, Umar and Kamran Akmal, already in the national team, Babar had role models within his family.

His father’s unwavering support, even during challenging times, has been a significant factor in Babar’s rise in international cricket.

Into the Personal Life of Pakistan’s Cricket Captain – Babar Azam

Babar Azam, the accomplished captain of the Pakistan national cricket team, is not just celebrated for his cricketing prowess but also for the stories and rumors surrounding his personal life. Here’s a deep dive into the life of this cricketing sensation:

Alleged Relationship with Hamiza Mukhtar

Hamiza Mukhtar has been a significant figure in Babar’s personal narrative, being rumored to be engaged to him. She has made statements implying that Babar coerced her into cohabitation.

However, Babar has vehemently denied these claims. Their interactions in public often showcase happiness and mutual respect, reflecting a positive dynamic in their relationship.

Marriage Rumors

There have been speculations that Babar Azam is set to marry post the Men’s ODI World Cup in 2023. However, no concrete evidence has been presented to confirm these rumors.

Misleading Social Media Claims

A photo circulated online misrepresenting Babar Azam as having married his sister. In reality, the picture features Babar with his cousin, Nadia. It’s essential to debunk such misleading information, especially in the age of rapid online sharing.

The Love Affair Controversy

A woman named Hamiza Mukhtar accused Babar of luring her into the trap of marriage and then exploiting her.

She claimed that she got pregnant with Babar’s child, but he allegedly forced her to get an abortion in 2015.

Net Worth of Babar Azam : Beyond the Wealth of Pakistan’s Cricketing Gem

Babar Azam, the captain of the Pakistan national cricket team across all three formats, is not just known for his exceptional skills on the cricket field but also for his significant net worth.

With a career that has seen a meteoric rise, Babar’s financial stature has also seen a commendable growth.

Net Worth and Earnings

Babar Azam’s estimated net worth stands at a whopping $5 million (INR 41 crore). This impressive figure is a culmination of his earnings from cricket, endorsements, and other ventures.

PCB Salary

Babar is one of the three players to receive an ‘A’ Grade three-year contract by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for the 2023/24 season.

Alongside Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi, Babar is set to take home PKR 3 million (INR 13.14 Lakh) monthly, marking a 202% increase over their previous remuneration.

Additionally, players are awarded PKR 1.25 million ($4358) for a Test, PKR 644,620 ($2247.70) for an ODI, and PKR 418,584 ($1459) for every T20I.

PSL Salary

Babar’s journey in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) has seen him move from the Silver category, where players fetched contracts of $25,000 (Rs 20 lakh approx), to the Platinum category, earning him $130,000 (Rs 1.03 crore approx).

As the captain of Karachi Kings, he was retained in this top category for three seasons between 2020-2022. In 2023, Babar represented Peshawar Zalmi, earning a similar amount.

Endorsements

Babar Azam’s brand value has surged due to his consistent performances. He endorses several top-tier brands, including Oppo, Head & Shoulders, HBL, Huawei, Credit Book, Free Fire, Bank Alfalah, Gray Nicholls, Noon Pakistan, and MoneyGram.

Investments and Charities

Babar is not just about earning; he believes in giving back to society. After Pakistan’s emphatic 10-wicket victory over India in the T20 World Cup 2021, Babar chose to celebrate by partnering with Noon, an e-learning platform, to educate 250 deserving students. He donated PKR 2 million to this cause.

Luxuries: Cars and Bikes

Babar’s love for luxury is evident in his collection of vehicles. He was awarded a superbike for his outstanding performance against the West Indies in 2018. Babar also owns a Yamaha R1, priced around Rs 20 lakh, and a luxury bike, the BMW RR 310.

His car collection includes the Audi A5 and a BAIC BJ40 Plus jeep, which he won as the Man of the Series against Australia in April 2022.

Babar Azam: A Journey Through Controversies

Babar Azam, the prodigious talent and captain of the Pakistan cricket team, has not only made headlines for his cricketing prowess but also for various controversies that have surrounded him over the years. Here’s a look at some of the major controversies involving Babar Azam:

1. Leaked WhatsApp Chat with PCB’s COO

A private conversation between Babar Azam and PCB’s Chief Operating Officer, Salman Naseer, was leaked, leading to a massive controversy.

The chat revolved around rumors that PCB chief Zaka Ashraf was not responding to Babar’s calls, raising questions about the captain’s relationship with the board.

2. Twitter Spat with Zainab Abbas

Babar Azam was involved in a Twitter exchange with Pakistani sports journalist Zainab Abbas. The captain reprimanded her for comments made in 2018, escalating the situation into a significant social media controversy.

3. Traffic Violation Incident

Babar Azam faced a traffic violation when he was fined by Punjab Motorway Police for overspeeding. A photo of the encounter, where Babar was seen next to his Audi, went viral

4. Rumored Rift in the Team

During the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, rumors emerged about a divided Pakistan team, with speculations of a rift between Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi. However, these rumors were later denied by the PCB.

5. Controversy with Rashid Latif

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif claimed that PCB chief Ashraf had ceased communication with Babar Azam. He also alleged that Pakistan cricketers had not received their salaries for several months, adding fuel to the controversy.

6. Captaincy Speculations

There were speculations that Babar Azam might be replaced as captain after the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, given Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the tournament.

7. Support from Waqar Younis:

Former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis expressed his support for Babar Azam and criticized those pressuring him. He defended Babar’s role as an asset to Pakistan cricket.

Wrapping Up: The Cricket Story of the ‘King’ Babar Azam

Babar Azam’s rise in the cricketing world is marked by outstanding achievements, personal narratives, and unavoidable debates.

His legacy stands as a hope for budding cricketers across the globe. His journey, beyond just records, embodies dedication, tenacity, and the true essence of the sport.

As the cricket fraternity looks on, the prominence of Babar Azam is set to blaze even brighter, hinting at more milestones and tales in the future.