Babar Azam’s Cricket Journey: 10 Years Since His Debut on 31st May 2015
On 31st May 2015, a promising 20-year-old Babar Azam made his international debut for Pakistan. Few could have predicted the legacy he would go on to build. Over the next ten years, Babar transformed into one of the finest batters of the modern era. From elegant cover drives to match-winning centuries, he consistently showcased class, composure, and hunger for runs.
He shattered records across formats, held the No.1 ODI ranking for years, and captained Pakistan through some of its most memorable campaigns — including a historic win against India and a T20 World Cup final appearance in 2022. A decade into his journey, Babar stands as a symbol of determination, grace, and cricketing excellence. As he enters this new chapter, fans across the globe eagerly await the brilliance he’s yet to deliver.
31st May 2015: The Day It All Began
Babar Azam made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe on 31st May 2015. In that match, he announced his arrival with a composed 54 off 60 balls, instantly catching the eye with his timing and poise. His fluent stroke play hinted at the elegant, consistent batter he would soon become — a glimpse of greatness from the very beginning.
2016-2019: Rise to Stardom
By 2016, Babar Azam had already made headlines by becoming the fastest Pakistani—and joint-fastest overall—to reach 1,000 ODI runs in just 21 innings. Later that year, he made his Test debut and quickly adapted to the longest format, proving his versatility. In 2017, he played a vital role in Pakistan’s historic Champions Trophy triumph, gaining international recognition for his elegant strokeplay.
By 2018, Babar had firmly established himself as Pakistan’s premier batter across all formats. He combined consistency, flair, and a calm temperament, becoming the backbone of the national team’s batting lineup. His rise was not just about numbers—it was about redefining Pakistan’s batting identity.
2020-2023: Babar Record-Breaking Peak
From 2020 to 2023, Babar Azam dominated international cricket with remarkable achievements. In 2020, he topped the ICC ODI rankings and held the No.1 spot for over 950 days.The following year, he smashed an unbeaten 158 vs England, setting Pakistan’s highest individual ODI score at the time. In 2022, he led Pakistan to the T20 World Cup final, showcasing his captaincy prowess. By 2023, he broke the record for most runs (474) by a Pakistani in a single World Cup, proving his consistency on the world stage.
Babar Captaincy Era (2019-2023):
Appointed white-ball captain in 2019 and Test skipper in 2021, Babar Azam led Pakistan into a new era of consistency and belief. Under his captaincy, Pakistan won historic Test series at home against South Africa (2021) and away in Sri Lanka (2022), showcasing growth in the red-ball format.
In white-ball cricket, Babar’s leadership saw Pakistan reach the 2021 T20 World Cup semifinal and the 2022 final, including a memorable 10-wicket win over India—Pakistan’s first ever in a World Cup.Though he stepped down after the 2023 ODI World Cup, Babar’s legacy of calm, class, and competitive spirit remains unmatched in Pakistan’s recent history.
31st May 2025: A Legacy Still Growing
A decade since his debut, Babar Azam stands as Pakistan’s highest-ranked batter in all formats. With 10,000+ international runs, he now eyes World Cup glory and more milestones. For Pakistan, Babar isn’t just a player—**he’s a symbol of pride, perseverance, and excellence.
Key Takeaways:
Debuted on 31st May 2015, Babar Azam has evolved into a modern-day legend.
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Holds multiple batting records across all formats
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Led Pakistan to the T20 World Cup final in 2022
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Inspires millions with his discipline, elegance, and consistency
Now entering his second decade, Babar’s story is far from over. Fans eagerly await the next chapter.
Also read this : https://cric92.com/short-book/babar-azams-rise-and-fall-in-international-cricket/