Pakistan captain Babar Azam has equalled a major milestone in the country’s cricket history after being named Player of the Series in the two-match Test series against the West Indies, drawing level with legendary captains Imran Khan and Wasim Akram for the most Player of the Series awards won by a Pakistani cricketer across all international formats.
Babar’s outstanding performances with the bat played a key role in Pakistan’s series victory and earned him his first Player of the Series award in Test cricket.
Babar Finishes as Series’ Leading Run-Scorer
Reappointed as Pakistan’s Test captain ahead of the two-match away series, replacing Shan Masood, Babar led from the front with consistent performances throughout the contest.
He ended the series as the highest run-scorer, amassing 193 runs in four innings at an impressive average of 96.50.
His contributions included:
- 23 runs in the first innings of the opening Test.
- A determined half-century in Pakistan’s unsuccessful run chase in the same match.
- A crucial 88-run innings in the first innings of the second Test, helping Pakistan secure a valuable 43-run first-innings lead.
- An unbeaten 24 off 30 balls, featuring two fours and two sixes, as Pakistan comfortably chased down a 75-run target to seal victory.
Shares Player of the Series Honour
Babar shared the Player of the Series award with West Indies all-rounder Justin Greaves, who enjoyed an impressive all-round campaign.
Greaves scored 111 runs across four innings and claimed seven wickets, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings of the opening Test.
Both players were recognised for their significant contributions throughout the series.
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Historic Achievement for Babar Azam
The award marked Babar’s 10th Player of the Series honour in international cricket, placing him alongside two of Pakistan’s greatest cricketers.
His awards are distributed across formats as follows:
- Tests: 1
- One-Day Internationals (ODIs): 4
- Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is): 5
By reaching 10 awards, Babar joined Imran Khan and Wasim Akram at the top of Pakistan’s all-time list.
Most Player of the Series Awards for Pakistan
| Player | Total Awards | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Imran Khan | 10 | Tests: 8, ODIs: 2 |
| Babar Azam | 10 | Tests: 1, ODIs: 4, T20Is: 5 |
| Wasim Akram | 10 | Tests: 7, ODIs: 3 |
| Waqar Younis | 9 | Tests: 5, ODIs: 4 |
Babar Continues to Build His Legacy
At 31 years of age, Babar Azam continues to add to an already distinguished international career.
His return as Test captain was followed by a match-winning series in the Caribbean, where his consistent batting not only helped Pakistan secure victory but also saw him equal one of the most prestigious individual records in Pakistan cricket.
The latest achievement further strengthens Babar’s place among the country’s modern greats, alongside legends such as Imran Khan, Wasim Akram, and Waqar Younis, while underlining his importance to Pakistan across all three formats of the game.
