Pakistan

Watch Babar Azam’s shirt he received on 100th ODI

by
Zainab Shafiq
May 7, 2023

Table of Contents

Pakistan captain Babar Azam receives special shirt marking his 100th ODI appearance for Pakistan.
Azam reflects on his journey from humble beginnings as a ball picker to becoming the world’s top-ranked ODI batter.
Despite personal sacrifices, Azam’s family support and determination have been instrumental in his success.

Pakistan’s cricket captain, Babar Azam, received a special tribute for his remarkable achievement of making his 100th appearance in One Day International (ODI) cricket for Pakistan. Prior to the fifth and final match of the series against New Zealand in Karachi on Sunday, Azam was presented with a commemorative shirt displaying the number 100 on the back, which he will proudly wear when he steps onto the field.

Nearly eight years ago, the talented right-handed batsman made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in Lahore. Reflecting on his journey to the national side, Azam expressed his excitement upon receiving the call-up, recalling the joy it brought to him and his family. He also reminisced about his early days at the Gaddafi Stadium, where he started as a ball picker and later served as a net bowler during Inzamam-ul-Haq’s final Test match against South Africa.

Azam’s path to success was not without its challenges. After his first season as an U15 regional player, he was not selected for the national academy due to subpar performances. Determined to prove himself, Azam set ambitious goals and dedicated himself to relentless hard work. He would leave his house early in the morning and spend long hours on the ground, honing his skills and striving for improvement.

Currently ranked as the number-one batter on the ICC ODI Rankings since April 2, 2022, Azam has established himself as one of the most successful batters in the world. Despite his achievements, he remains humble and acknowledges the sacrifices he has made to reach the pinnacle of international cricket.

Also, read: Babar Azam’s Journey to 100 ODIs

Azam shared emotional anecdotes about his late paternal uncle, who took care of his bats and repairs, and his paternal grandmother, whose funeral he couldn’t attend due to a cricket match. These personal losses added to the challenges he faced along the way. However, Azam is grateful for the unwavering support of his family.

His mother played a pivotal role by purchasing his first cricket bat and gear, which he used for several years. His father’s influence taught him never to be complacent, keeping him motivated and focused. Additionally, his brothers have consistently provided support during difficult times.

As Babar Azam celebrates his 100th ODI appearance, his dedication, talent, and sacrifices serve as an inspiration to aspiring cricketers and fans around the world.