Babar Azam Fails To Make Into Even Pakistan’s Best-Ever List According To Mohammad Yousaf
The Changing Guard of Pakistan Cricket
As Pakistan celebrated its 1000th ODI fixture in a landmark clash against Australia at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, the sport turned its gaze toward the past. While the current generation of players, including debutant sensation Arafat Minhas, continues to make headlines, the question of who truly stands as the greatest of all time remains a topic of fierce debate. In a surprising revelation, Babar Azam Fails To Make Into Even Pakistan’s Best-Ever List as compiled by one of the country’s most respected former batters, Mohammad Yousaf.
The recent match in Rawalpindi saw a historic performance from young Arafat Minhas, who became the first male Pakistani cricketer to secure a five-wicket haul on his ODI debut. His contribution, combined with the steady hand of Abrar Ahmed, restricted Australia to a modest 200. The subsequent chase saw Babar Azam and Ghazi Ghori steady the ship, leading Pakistan to a comfortable victory. Yet, despite his modern-day dominance, Babar’s name was notably absent from Mohammad Yousaf’s definitive all-time selection.
Yousaf’s Elite Selection
Mohammad Yousaf, a veteran of 90 Test matches and 288 ODIs, recently shared his picks for the greatest players to represent the Men in Green. His list serves as a testament to the rich history of Pakistani cricket, focusing on players who defined their respective eras. Yousaf’s selections are as follows:
- Captain and All-rounder: Imran Khan
- Top Batter: Saeed Anwar
- Fast Bowler: Wasim Akram
- Spinner: Saqlain Mushtaq
- Wicketkeeper: Rashid Latif
For Yousaf, the 1992 World Cup victory remains the pinnacle of the nation’s cricketing journey, a sentiment echoed by his choice of captain, Imran Khan, who led that legendary squad to glory.
The Saeed Anwar Factor
Perhaps the most significant talking point is the inclusion of Saeed Anwar over the current white-ball maestro, Babar Azam. While Babar has already equaled Yousaf’s own tally of ODI centuries, Yousaf maintains that Anwar’s style, elegance, and sheer flamboyance set him apart in the history of the sport.
Saeed Anwar’s record remains formidable even by modern standards. Across 247 ODI matches, he amassed 8824 runs, featuring 20 centuries and 43 half-centuries. For years, his 194 against India stood as the highest individual score in the format, a record that tested the limits of ODI batting before the era of double centuries.
A Legacy Defined by Elegance
Anwar’s career was a mix of extraordinary highs and unfortunate timing. After making his debut in 1989, he quickly became a fixture in the side. However, injury cruelly ruled him out of the triumphant 1992 World Cup campaign. Despite playing in three subsequent World Cups (1996, 1999, and 2003), he never secured the ultimate trophy. His final major act was a defiant 101 off 126 balls against India in 2003, a masterclass that demonstrated his unique ability to perform under the highest pressure.
Reflections on the List
While Mohammad Yousaf’s list is rooted in deep experience and appreciation for the game, cricket is inherently subjective. Some observers might argue that the wicketkeeping role could have been filled by Moin Khan, and others would certainly point to the 2017 Champions Trophy as a moment that matches the legacy of 1992. The 2017 victory, an underdog triumph that stunned the cricketing world, remains a defining chapter for modern fans.
Ultimately, the exclusion of a player as talented as Babar Azam from such a list only highlights the immense depth of talent that Pakistan has produced over the decades. Whether one agrees with Yousaf or favors the modern icons, the conversation itself serves to celebrate the legendary status of those who have worn the green jersey with pride.
