Azam Khan Defends Babar Azam Against Critics
Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batter Azam Khan has claimed that several former national cricketers are jealous of Babar Azam’s success and struggle to accept his growing stature in world cricket.
In a recent interview with a local sports channel, Azam said Babar has been Pakistan’s biggest batting talent in the last ten years. He credited Babar for giving Pakistan’s batting a new global identity through his consistent performances across all formats.
Babar Achieved Success Without Senior Support
Azam Khan praised Babar Azam for building his career on sheer hard work and determination, noting that he had no senior mentors to guide him when he entered international cricket. When Virat Kohli started his career, he had legends like Sachin Tendulkar, V.V.S. Laxman, Virender Sehwag, and M.S. Dhoni in the dressing room, Azam explained.
Babar, on the other hand, had no such senior players to learn from. Every bit of his success is self-made.
According to Azam, that independence and dedication have made Babar’s rise even more impressive. He suggested that some former cricketers find this hard to digest because Babar’s popularity now eclipses what they once enjoyed.
Fans Now Come to See Babar Azam Play
Azam Khan drew comparisons between Babar and former all-rounder Shahid Afridi, long regarded as one of Pakistan’s most charismatic cricket figures. For the past decade, Shahid Afridi was the only player who could fill stadiums with his presence, Azam noted.
Now, that same attraction belongs to Babar Azam. Whenever he comes to bat, fans’ excitement is worth watching.
Babar, who has captained Pakistan in all formats, remains one of the world’s most consistent batsmen, with an average of over 57 in ODIs and more than 3,000 runs in T20 internationals.
Criticism from Former Players
Azam Khan suggested that the criticism Babar often faces from former cricketers may be rooted in envy rather than constructive analysis.
Some ex-players can’t handle his fame, he said. If social media existed during their playing days, maybe they would have enjoyed the same level of attention.
The young wicketkeeper’s remarks come amid ongoing debate in Pakistan’s cricket circles, where Babar Azam’s leadership and batting approach are frequently discussed by analysts and retired stars.
A Star Under Constant Spotlight
Babar Azam, 30, continues to be the face of Pakistan cricket, representing stability in a team known for its unpredictability. Despite constant scrutiny, he remains a leading run-scorer in international cricket since 2019 and ranks among the top players globally in ICC rankings.
Azam Khan’s comments reflect a broader sentiment among younger players who view Babar as an inspiration and symbol of modern professionalism in Pakistan cricket.
