During a rapid-fire session on AB de Villiers’ YouTube channel, Babar Azam, the captain of Pakistan’s white-ball cricket team, revealed insights into his career, including the toughest bowler he has encountered. Among the formidable names he has faced are India’s Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami, Australia’s Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, England’s James Anderson and Stuart Broad, and South Africa’s Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada.
Babar Azam picks Pat Cummins over Jasprit Bumrah as the toughest bowler
Despite facing tough challenges from Indian pacers Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Shami in white-ball cricket, Babar Azam has singled out Australia’s top fast bowler and captain, Pat Cummins, as the most formidable opponent he has encountered in his career thus far.
When AB de Villier was asked to name the toughest bowler he had ever faced on his YouTube channle during the conversation, Babar said, “Pat Cummins.” To which the former South African captain said, “Yeah, I agree with that. He’s very close. He’s one of the toughest bowlers I have ever faced.”
In the contemporary landscape of cricket, Jasprit Bumrah and Pat Cummins are widely recognized as two of the most formidable bowlers across all formats. Bumrah’s unconventional bowling action coupled with his precise accuracy makes him a daunting prospect for batsmen, enhanced by his ability to generate swing in both directions.
On the other hand, Pat Cummins, renowned for his pace, bounce, and consistency in hitting high speeds, poses a relentless challenge on any pitch. His adeptness at exploiting varied conditions adds to his effectiveness, often influencing the outcome of matches with his skillful bowling.
Away from cricket, Babar Azam shared glimpses of his off-field interests, revealing a fondness for snooker and golf during leisure breaks. He also attempted cycling but found it challenging. Additionally, he disclosed that the famous Pakistani singer Atif Aslam holds a prominent place on his contact list.
I just love to play cricket: Babar Azam opens up about his goals
Babar Azam expressed his focus on enjoying cricket without worrying about the future trajectory. He emphasized his love for the game and his commitment to simply playing his best each time he steps onto the field.
However, Babar, along with Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi, faced disappointment when the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) declined their requests for NOCs to participate in the Global T20 League in Canada. The PCB cited concerns over their busy upcoming schedule and the need to manage their workload, considering their frequent involvement in various franchise leagues worldwide.
The PCB said in a statement: “After taking into consideration Pakistan’s busy and packed cricket calendar in the period from August 2024 to March 2025, which includes nine ICC World Test Championship matches and next year’s ICC Champions Trophy 2025, and following consultations with the three players as well as the national selection committee, it has been decided to decline their requests.”
