Why Babar Azam Deserves More Global Recognition

Introduction

In today’s world of cricket, big names like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson often take the spotlight. But one name that stands tall among them—yet doesn’t always get the same global recognition—is Babar Azam. The Pakistani batting maestro has quietly built one of the most impressive records in modern cricket. With his calm personality, elegant stroke play, and consistent performances across all formats, Babar Azam deserves far more recognition on the world stage than he currently receives.

This article will explore why Babar Azam should be considered a true global cricket icon—and why the world must start paying closer attention to his greatness.

1. His Records Speak for Themselves

Let’s begin with the most obvious point: numbers.

Babar Azam is among the fastest players to reach multiple batting milestones in ODI and T20 cricket. As of 2025:

• ODI Milestones:
• Fastest Asian to 5,000 ODI runs
• 17 ODI centuries, averaging over 56
• Consistently ranked in ICC’s top 3 ODI batters since 2020
• T20I Achievements:
• Among top T20I run-scorers globally
• Holds multiple records for Pakistan in T20Is
• Over 30 half-centuries in T20I cricket
• Test Cricket Stats:
• Averaging around 47+ in Tests
• Known for performing in tough conditions (e.g., away tours in Australia, South Africa)

Babar’s stats are comparable to the very best, yet he is often missing from mainstream cricket discussions outside Asia. If an English or Indian batter had such stats, the global hype would likely be much louder.

2. Consistency Across All Formats

Many cricketers specialize in one format. Some dominate T20s, while others excel in Tests. But Babar Azam is part of the rare breed who performs consistently in all three formats.

• In Tests, he plays long, patient innings and leads from the front.
• In ODIs, he anchors the innings while scoring at a healthy strike rate.
• In T20s, he adapts to explosive or controlled innings based on the situation.

His adaptability shows his cricketing intelligence and technical skill—qualities that are often underappreciated globally. In fact, only a few cricketers in the world today can switch between formats so smoothly without losing effectiveness.

3. Technique Over Power – A Refreshing Approach

In an era dominated by big-hitters and aggressive batsmen, Babar Azam offers something unique—classic technique and elegance. His cover drives are compared to Virat Kohli and even Sachin Tendulkar. Babar relies more on timing, placement, and footwork rather than brute force.

That makes his style not only beautiful to watch but also effective on difficult pitches. He has scored runs on spinning tracks, green tops, and even bouncy Australian pitches. His ability to adjust his technique based on the pitch conditions is a rare gift.

4. Captaincy Under Pressure

Leading Pakistan is never easy. The team is constantly under media scrutiny, fan expectations are high, and internal politics often affect performance. Yet, Babar Azam remained calm and composed during his time as captain (2019–2023).

Under his captaincy:

• Pakistan reached the T20 World Cup final in 2022
• They played competitive cricket in ICC events
• He helped build a stable and confident team

Although he stepped down as captain in 2023, Babar’s leadership period was marked by unity, discipline, and growth. His calm demeanor was in contrast to the aggressive style of many former Pakistani captains—but it worked.

Leadership under pressure is a sign of greatness, and Babar displayed it at a young age.

5. Lack of Media Hype Hurts His Global Image

One major reason Babar Azam doesn’t get enough global recognition is the lack of media coverage outside Asia.

• Indian and English players receive massive global attention due to big broadcasting deals, strong cricket boards, and language access.
• Pakistan, due to political and media barriers, doesn’t have the same reach.

Babar is often not featured in global ads, sports promotions, or crossover media. Despite his talent, he remains underrated internationally. Many casual fans in countries like Australia, England, or South Africa know Kohli, Williamson, and Smith but are not as familiar with Babar.

This media imbalance has played a big role in limiting his global fame.

6. Personal Humility in a Loud World

Another reason Babar doesn’t attract attention like some others is his quiet personality.

·       He doesn’t create controversies.

·       He doesn’t make loud statements.

·       He doesn’t engage in unnecessary drama on or off the field.

In a world where social media often rewards loudness and theatrics, Babar’s humility works against him in the fame game. But true fans of the game recognize that this quiet confidence is the mark of a mature athlete.

His humility is why he’s respected deeply by fellow cricketers—even if he doesn’t trend on Twitter every week.

7. Fan Following and National Love

While Babar may not be a household name globally, he is already a superstar in Pakistan and among Pakistani communities worldwide.

• His Instagram followers crossed 6 million by early 2025.
• Stadiums chant his name wherever Pakistan plays.
• Children across Pakistan now imitate his cover drives.

He is often compared to legends like Inzamam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Yousuf, and even Javed Miandad. But what sets Babar apart is that he built this fanbase in the digital age—while facing stronger global competition and limited home cricket due to security issues in Pakistan.

That alone makes his rise even more special.

8. Big Performances in Big Matches

Great players shine in big moments. And Babar Azam has had several.

Notable Matches:

• T20 World Cup 2021 vs India: Scored an unbeaten 68 as Pakistan beat India by 10 wickets—their first-ever WC win over India.
• Asia Cup and ICC Tournaments: Often Pakistan’s top-scorer in high-pressure games.
• Australia Tours: Scored Test centuries and fought bravely even in losing causes.

Babar doesn’t go missing in big games. He usually rises to the occasion—another reason why he deserves more recognition globally.

9. Adapting to Franchise Leagues

Some critics say Babar hasn’t played enough outside the PSL. But in recent years, he has been picking up experience across various leagues:

• Pakistan Super League (PSL): Captain of Peshawar Zalmi, leading run-scorer in multiple seasons.
• Caribbean Premier League (CPL): Had short stints with Guyana Amazon Warriors.
• Bangladesh Premier League (BPL): Delivered solid performances.

While he hasn’t played in the IPL (due to political reasons), his record suggests he would shine there as well. His calm, consistent approach is ideal for franchise cricket—and he is learning how to adapt to different environments.

10. Comparison With Global Greats

Let’s take a quick look at how Babar’s record compares with other top batters (as of 2025):

Player	Test Avg	ODI Avg	T20I Avg	ICC Rankings (Peak)
Virat Kohli	49+	57+	50+	#1 (ODI & T20I)
Steve Smith	59+	44+	27	#1 (Test)
Kane Williamson	53+	47+	32	#1 (Test)
Joe Root	50+	51+	35	#1 (Test)
Babar Azam	47+	56+	42+	#1 (ODI)

Statistically, Babar is right there with them—especially in ODIs and T20Is. He may not have the longevity of Kohli yet, but he is certainly on track.

11. What Holds Him Back?

Despite his greatness, several things stop Babar from being recognized as a global icon:

• Political restrictions: No IPL appearances limit his exposure.
• Broadcast gaps: Fewer televised games in Europe/Australia compared to India/England.
• Language barriers: He is not as fluent in English media appearances as others.
• Commercial visibility: Not signed by major global brands yet.

None of these reasons are related to cricketing skill. That’s the real tragedy—his limitations in fame have nothing to do with his actual performances.

12. What Can Change This?

To give Babar Azam the recognition he truly deserves:

• More International Leagues: If he can feature in Big Bash, The Hundred, or SA20, it would boost his global presence.
• Brand Support: Global brands must realize his potential and bring him into international campaigns.
• Better Media Exposure: Interviews, documentaries, and social media content in English can introduce him to new audiences.
• ICC Spotlight: The ICC should promote top players from all nations equally, not just the Big 3 (India, Australia, England).

13. The Future: Babar’s Legacy

Babar is just 30 years old and has many years left in cricket. If he continues performing the way he has so far, he could:

• Become Pakistan’s greatest-ever ODI batsman
• End with over 25 ODI centuries
• Become the first Pakistani to score 10,000 runs in all formats combined

More importantly, he could be the face of a new, modern Pakistani cricket era—professional, calm, and globally respected. He’s inspiring a generation of young cricketers who now dream of succeeding through discipline, not drama. His legacy could redefine how the world views Pakistani cricket for the next decade.

Final Thoughts: He’s Already a Legend

To true cricket fans, Babar Azam is already a legend. His elegance, consistency, and leadership make him one of the most complete batters of this generation. He may not shout for attention, but his bat does all the talking. It’s time the rest of the world listens. It’s time broadcasters, brands, and cricket boards give him the platform he deserves.

Because cricket is not just about fame—it’s about class, and Babar Azam defines it.