CA Sports Legends: From Miandad To Babar Azam

In the world of Pakistani cricket, few names have stood the test of time quite like CA Sports. For decades, this Sialkot-based sports brand has quietly crafted the tools behind countless cricketing moments—from record-breaking centuries to thrilling last-ball finishes. But CA’s story isn’t just about bats and pads; it’s about the legends who used them.

This blog is a tribute to those cricketing icons—players like Javed Miandad, who defined grit and nerve in the 1980s, and Babar Azam, the modern maestro who has become the face of Pakistan’s batting today. Two players from different eras. Two batting styles. But one thread connects them both: CA Sports.

While Miandad’s connection to CA may not have been defined by flashy endorsement deals, his era symbolizes the brand’s early rise and credibility among Pakistan’s top players. On the other hand, Babar Azam’s record-breaking Rs. 70 million deal with CA Sports in 2025 marks a new era—where cricket, branding, and business intersect at the global stage.

CA Sports, over the years, has evolved from a humble gear manufacturer to a household name worn proudly by Pakistan’s best. This blog walks you through that legacy—how a brand born in the bylanes of Sialkot stitched itself into the story of Pakistani cricket and continues to do so through its powerful partnerships.

From Miandad’s epic six in Sharjah to Babar’s elegant cover drives, CA Sports has been there—quietly backing greatness, one bat at a time.

CA Sports – The Legacy That Shaped Pakistani Cricket

From Sialkot to Stadiums – CA’s Rise in Sports Equipment

Founded in 1958 by Charaghdin Abdul Rasheed, CA Sports began as a small workshop in Sialkot, a city known for its handcrafted sports goods. Over time, CA distinguished itself with high-quality cricket equipment—especially bats—that caught the attention of players across the region. While other brands focused on mass production, CA kept its roots in craftsmanship, precision, and reliability.

By the 1980s, CA bats were making their way from Sialkot’s factories to the hands of professional cricketers. The brand’s early success was powered not by big advertising budgets, but by word of mouth within dressing rooms, where quality mattered more than logos. CA bats, gloves, and pads started becoming the gear of choice for many national players, and gradually the brand's reputation grew beyond Pakistan to the UK, South Africa, and the Middle East.

Unlike multinational brands that often dominate with marketing muscle, CA built its name on consistency, durability, and connection with the game itself. Players trusted CA gear not just to perform—but to last.

Early Associations with Pakistan’s Cricketing Icons

Although formal sponsorships were not common in the 1980s and 90s, many top Pakistani cricketers gravitated toward CA equipment. It was not unusual to see a bat with CA’s iconic branding in the hands of players like Javed Miandad, Saleem Malik, or Saeed Anwar—not necessarily because of deals, but because these players knew the gear delivered results.

CA’s early presence in international matches was subtle yet consistent. The brand never relied on loud marketing. Instead, it let its products speak for themselves—sturdy handles, balanced weight, and that unmistakable “ping” when the ball met the sweet spot.

This grassroots trust laid the foundation for what would eventually become one of Pakistan’s most recognized sports brands, leading to collaborations with modern stars who would take that legacy even further.

Javed Miandad – Symbol of a Generation

Miandad’s Influence on Pakistani Cricket Culture

If you ask a Pakistani cricket fan to name a true national legend, Javed Miandad is bound to come up. Known for his fearless batting, street-smart instincts, and game-changing performances, Miandad was more than just a cricketer—he was a symbol of resilience during Pakistan’s formative cricketing years.

From his debut in 1976 to his retirement in the mid-90s, Miandad amassed over 16,000 international runs, countless match-saving innings, and moments etched forever into the nation's memory. His most iconic? The last-ball six in Sharjah against India in 1986—a moment that turned him into a household hero and ignited a new wave of national pride.

Beyond the stats, Miandad represented the gritty determination that defined Pakistan's cricket identity in the 80s and 90s. He didn’t play for style—he played to win. His aggressive body language, quick decision-making, and fearless approach inspired generations to come, both in the streets and in the dressing room.

How Brands Like CA Reflected His Era of Grit and Glory

While formal sponsorships weren’t as common in Miandad’s time, players of his caliber helped shape brand perception. Many cricket fans remember seeing Miandad wielding bats that echoed CA’s signature designs. It wasn’t about brand deals—it was about trust.

During an era when Pakistani cricketers were often self-equipped or relied on regional suppliers, CA Sports became the go-to choice for professionals looking for performance and durability. Miandad’s gear choices helped elevate CA’s credibility among aspiring players who would later seek out the same equipment, hoping it would bring them the same magic.

Though Miandad may never have been a brand ambassador in the modern sense, his legacy and era built the foundation for brands like CA Sports to thrive. The grit, reliability, and Pakistani pride that Miandad carried into every match mirrored CA’s approach to sports equipment.

He helped define an era—and indirectly helped define a brand.

Legends Then & Now – What This Partnership Says About CA’s Evolution

Branding Shifts from Tradition to Modern Marketing

CA Sports’ journey from the quiet gear rooms of Sialkot to glossy sponsorship deals and digital campaigns tells a story of brand evolution. In the past, quality alone drove demand. Players like Javed Miandad used CA gear without fanfare. The brand relied on reputation, not promotion.

But the sports world has changed. Today, visibility is everything. Young fans want to connect with their heroes online, follow their training routines, and even buy the same equipment they use. CA recognized this shift and adapted.

With Babar Azam, CA didn’t just sign a player—they embraced modern branding. Their marketing moved beyond logos and match highlights to storytelling, lifestyle branding, and online engagement. From YouTube interviews to Insta reels, CA Sports has found its voice in a digital-first cricket economy.

This shift reflects more than a strategy—it shows how traditional Pakistani brands can grow without losing their soul. CA still makes its products in Sialkot, still values craftsmanship, but now wraps that legacy in a language the new generation understands.

How Babar Azam is Inspiring the Next Generation of Cricketers

Babar Azam is more than CA’s brand ambassador—he’s a national icon. His calm demeanor, consistent performance, and elegant batting style have made him a role model for millions. By partnering with him, CA Sports isn’t just selling gear—they’re selling aspiration.

Young cricketers in Pakistan today don’t just want to play like Babar—they want to use the same bat, wear the same gloves, walk out with the same swagger. CA is smartly feeding into that emotional pull.

The brand’s investment in Babar has already paid off. Sales are up. Engagement is high. And more importantly, CA is now seen not just as a legacy brand—but as a bridge between tradition and tomorrow.

This partnership shows that CA Sports is not done making legends—they’re just getting started.

Conclusion

From the gritty, no-nonsense cricket of Javed Miandad’s era to the sleek, social-media-savvy brilliance of Babar Azam, Pakistan’s cricketing journey is full of iconic moments. And quietly standing in the background of those moments is CA Sports—a brand that’s evolved alongside the game and the nation.

In Miandad, CA found a symbol of discipline and determination—an unspoken ambassador during a time when equipment spoke louder than endorsements. His generation gave the brand credibility, trust, and tradition. In Babar, CA found elegance, professionalism, and massive influence—a modern legend who carries CA’s logo into stadiums and Instagram reels alike.

But this blog isn’t just about two players. It’s about how a local Sialkot brand became a global cricket name, not through hype, but through consistency, craftsmanship, and a willingness to evolve. It’s a story of connection—between past and present, product and player, brand and nation.

As CA Sports continues to sponsor emerging talent and develop world-class gear, one thing is clear: whether it’s the roar of a Sharjah crowd or the silence before a cover drive, CA will be there—part of the game, part of the glory.

Call to Action
Support local legacy brands like CA Sports. Share this story with fellow cricket fans and celebrate the icons that continue to inspire generations—on and off the pitch.