In a cricket-obsessed nation like Pakistan, fans are passionate and vocal about their heroes. Over the years, many stars have emerged, each leaving their mark. But when it comes to raw fan appeal, Babar Azam is now being hailed as Pakistan’s most popular cricketer since Shahid Afridi, and none other than former captain Azhar Ali thinks so.
During a recent interview, Azhar didn’t hold back when discussing Babar’s impact on the game and his immense popularity. Despite often being critical of Babar’s captaincy, Azhar had nothing but praise for his batting.
A Balanced Critique
Azhar made it clear that while he has questioned Babar’s captaincy, his admiration for the batter’s skills remains unshaken. “I’ve criticised Babar a lot on his captaincy. He’s captained for so long, he should have built another team by now,” Azhar said candidly.
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However, when the conversation shifted to Babar’s batting, Azhar’s tone changed. “But when it comes to batting, I say, please stop. He’s the only player from Pakistan who has given the country a name through his batting,” he added.
A Crowd-Puller Like No Other
Drawing comparisons with the iconic Shahid Afridi, Azhar highlighted Babar’s ability to captivate fans globally. “A normal, conventional batsman is getting cheered by the crowd. I’ve seen the first person after Shahid bhai,” Azhar noted, emphasizing that Babar’s classical batting style resonates with fans in a way that few conventional players have managed before.
For a player often compared to the explosive Afridi, Babar Azam stands out for a different reason. While Afridi’s power-hitting made him a global sensation, Babar’s elegant strokes and consistent performances have earned him respect and admiration across all formats.
The Critics and the Contributions
Azhar didn’t shy away from addressing the criticism Babar faces. Many argue that he hasn’t delivered in certain tournaments or as a captain. But Azhar urged everyone to look at the bigger picture.
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“Just see what he has done. You are focusing on what he hasn’t done. You are always looking for that,” he said passionately. He added, “The runs he’s scoring in all three formats… I should think he’s just too good. Just think about it.”
The Afridi Parallels
Shahid Afridi was a phenomenon. His aggressive batting style and larger-than-life persona made him a household name, not just in Pakistan but worldwide. For Azhar to compare Babar’s popularity to Afridi’s is a huge statement.
And it’s not hard to see why. Babar’s consistency with the bat, his calm demeanor, and his ability to shine under pressure have earned him a special place in the hearts of fans. Whether it’s his cover drives that leave commentators in awe or his ability to build innings in all formats, Babar is the complete package.
As Azhar Ali pointed out, it’s time we focus on celebrating Babar’s contributions instead of nitpicking his shortcomings. After all, players like him don’t come around often. So, what do you think? Is Babar Azam truly Pakistan’s most popular star since Afridi?
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