Tag: Babar Azam

Former fast bowler Tanvir Ahmed has taken a dig at Babar Azam for crediting Sarfaraz Ahmed on Pakistan’s triumph in the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2025.

Congratulatory messages poured in after Pakistan outplayed arch-rivals India in the final by a hefty margin of 191 runs.

Among the senders were former and current cricketers, who praised the team and Sarfaraz Ahmed for delivering an outstanding performance.

Babar Azam, who is currently in Australia for the Big Bash League (BBL) 15, credited team mentor and manager Sarfaraz Ahmed for bringing the best out of the young players.

“Well done, boys! Lifting the trophy after a stellar campaign and dominating the final.

Big credit to Saifi Bhai, whose experience shaped this triumph. Keep the hunger going,” Babar Azam wrote on his X account.

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However, the congratulatory message did not sit well with Tanvir Ahmed, who has long an admirer of Babar Azam.

“No credit goes to [Sarfaraz Ahmed]. All of it goes to Shahid Anwar, Azhar Ali and Rao Iftikhar Anjum, as all of the hard work was done by them,” Tanvir replied to Babar’s post on X.

“I am disappointed that you gave all the credit to Sarfaraz,” he lamented.

For the unversed, Sarfaraz Ahmed was named the team mentor and manager ahead of the U19 Asia Cup 2025.

The glory added another trophy to Sarfaraz’s cabinet as the wicket-keeper batter has led Pakistan to three major titles against India.

He captained the national side to the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup glory in 2006, defeating arch-rivals India in the final, and later guided Pakistan to a historic ICC Men’s Champions Trophy triumph in 2017, where they thrashed India by 180 runs in the summit clash.

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Star Pakistan cricketer Babar Azam and former cricketers praised the Pakistan U19 team after their triumph in the ACC Men’s Asia Cup final against India at the ICC Academy on Sunday.

Pakistan defeated India by a hefty margin of 191 runs in the final to lift the title for the second time after 13 long years.

Babar Azam, who is currently in Australia for the Big Bash League (BBL) 15, credited team mentor and manager Sarfaraz Ahmed for bringing the best out of the young players.

“Well done, boys! Lifting the trophy after a stellar campaign and dominating the final. Big credit to Saifi Bhai, whose experience shaped this triumph. Keep the hunger going,” he wrote on his X account.

Azhar Ali, former captain and who previously served as PCB’s Head of Youth Development, also lauded the coaching staff, management, and Sarfaraz Ahmed for helping Pakistan U19 in lifting the trophy.

“Many congratulations to Pakistan U19 team, captain and all the staff lead by Mentor @SarfarazA_54 & Head coach Shahid Anwar,” he posted on X.

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“Special thanks to our coaches who didn’t travel with the team but worked tirelessly with boys in last 4 to 5 months Zohaib khan, Mohtashim Ali and Riffatullah,” Azhar added.

Legendary pacer Wasim Akram also showered praise on the young players, alongside special mention of Sameer Minhas and Ali Raza.

“Champions of Asia! Pakistan U19 lift the DP World Men’s U19 Asia Cup in style.
Ali Raza’s fiery bowling set the tone, and Minhas’ magnificent 150 sealed the deal. Future stars shining bright—well played, boys! @TheRealPCB,” Wasim Akram wrote.

Former Pakistan women’s team captain Sana Mir also took to X to commend the national U19 team’s outstanding performance.

“Congratulations to the U19 team. Coach Shahid Anwar has been one of the most positive people, @SarfarazA_54, master of such contests, the brilliant Sameer Minhas, Ali Raza, Ahmed Hussain , Abdul Subhan, and the entire team. Wonderful performance,” she wrote.

READ: Naqvi praises ‘fearless’ Pakistan U19 team after Asia Cup victory

Jack Edwards produced a match-winning five-wicket haul after half-centuries from Babar Azam and Josh Philippe powered Sydney Sixers to a commanding victory over arch-rivals Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 derby on Saturday.

Chasing a challenging target of 199, Thunder were bowled out for 151 in 19.1 overs, undone by a ruthless Sixers bowling display led by Edwards, who ripped through the top and middle order to seal the Sixers’ first win of the season.

The chase began in disastrous fashion for Thunder as Edwards struck twice inside the first three overs, reducing them to 17 for three.

Early pressure told, and although Sam Billings attempted to steady the innings, momentum remained firmly with the Sixers.

Cameron Bancroft struggled for fluency during a brief stand with Billings before Joel Davies ended his stay, dismissing him for a laboured seven.

A counter-attack followed when Shadab Khan joined Billings, with the pair adding a brisk 49 runs for the fifth wicket in just 22 balls to briefly revive Thunder’s hopes.

Jack Edwards, however, returned to break the partnership, removing Billings for a well-made 51 off 28 balls, an innings that included three fours and four sixes.

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Shadab Khan continued to fight, scoring 41 off 31 deliveries with three fours and two sixes, but he too fell to Edwards, who completed his five-wicket haul in the 18th over.

With only minor contributions from the lower order, including Chris Green’s 13, Thunder’s resistance ended at 151.

Earlier, the Sixers laid the foundation with a dominant batting effort, scoring 198-5 after being asked to bat first.

Babar Azam and Daniel Hughes struggled to break free against disciplined new-ball bowling, managing 33 runs in 26 balls before Reece Topley removed Hughes for 25.

Josh Philippe joined Babar, and the pair launched a decisive counter-attack, adding 140 runs for the second wicket in just 79 balls to seize complete control of the innings.

Babar, who had endured two modest outings earlier in the tournament, gradually found his rhythm after a cautious start and brought up his maiden BBL half-century from 38 balls.

His innings came to an end in the 18th over when he attempted to hit a short ball from Topley, finishing with a composed 58 off 42 balls, including five fours and two sixes.

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Topley also removed Ben Dwarshuis (1) in the same over to briefly check the scoring rate.

Josh Philippe, however, carried on and looked set for a century before Nathan McAndrew struck twice in the final over, dismissing skipper Moises Henriques (2) and then Philippe himself.

The wicketkeeper-batter top-scored with a fluent 96 off 57 balls, striking ten boundaries, including four sixes.

The Sixers closed on 198 for five, setting a formidable target that proved well beyond the Thunder’s reach.

Topley finished with three wickets for Thunder, while McAndrew claimed two. Shadab Khan went wicketless, conceding 33 runs from three overs.

The result handed Sydney Sixers their first win of BBL 15 after three matches, while the Thunder slipped to their second consecutive defeat of the tournament.

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SYDNEY: Pakistan batting star Babar Azam has put himself within touching distance of a major T20 landmark during the Big Bash League (BBL) 15, as he edges closer to breaking a long-standing record held by West Indies great Chris Gayle.

Representing Sydney Sixers in his maiden BBL campaign, Babar endured a quiet start to the tournament, managing just 11 runs across his first two appearances.

However, the right-hander rediscovered his touch in the high-voltage Sydney derby against Thunder on Saturday, producing a composed and timely knock that underlined his class.

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After a cautious beginning, Babar settled in and brought up his maiden BBL half-century off 38 deliveries.

He was eventually dismissed in the 18th over while attempting to take on Reece Topley, walking back with a well-crafted 58 from 42 balls, an innings decorated with five fours and two sixes.

The half-century marked Babar’s 107th score of 50 or more in T20 cricket, achieved in 331 innings. He is currently fourth on the all-time list for most 50-plus scores in the shortest format.

Australia’s David Warner leads the standings with 121 such scores, followed by India’s Virat Kohli on 114, while Gayle sits third with 110.

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With four more 50-plus scores, Babar Azam will surpass Gayle’s record, and the numbers suggest the milestone is well within reach.

Sydney Sixers still have at least seven group-stage matches remaining in BBL 15, with further opportunities likely should they progress to the playoffs.

Babar’s return to form also played a decisive role in the derby clash. He shared a match-defining 140-run second-wicket partnership with Josh Philippe, lifting the Sixers to a formidable 198 for five against their arch-rivals.

READ: Star batter axed as India name T20 World Cup 2026 squad

SYDNEY: Luke Wood’s all-round show propelled Adelaide Strikers to a three-wicket victory over Sydney Sixers in the fourth fixture of the Big Bash League (BBL) 15 here at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Wednesday.

Adelaide Strikers chased down a stiff 160 on the second ball of the final over, losing seven wickets in the process.

Liam Scott remained the top-scorer with 51 from 32, striking three sixers and three fours. Jamie Overton remained the other notable contributor with 30 off 20, while Luke Wood stayed till the end to ensure that his side crossed the finishing line.

Wood remained unbeaten on 18 from 14 with the help of a boundary.

Openers Chris Lynn and Matthew Short were off the blocks quickly, adding 27 in 2.3 overs before the former was caught after scoring five.

Soon after, skipper Short fell with 15 to his name from 11, which left Strikers 34-2 in 3.4 overs.

With the required run rate relatively easy to achieve, Jason Sangha and Liam Scott took their time at the crease to stitch a brief 22-run partnership.

Sangha departed after scoring 12 from 15, while Scott continued on and held the Strikers’ innings together with vital contributions.

He was involved in brief stands with Alex Ross and Jamie Overton, which took the score over the 100-run mark.

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Eventually, Adelaide Strikers reached the target, thanks to Overton and Wood’s calculated knocks in the last five overs.

With 37 required from 30 balls, Overton did the bulk of the scoring until his dismissal in the final over, which brought the equation to five from six balls.

However, Hasan Ali sneaked three on the first ball, which was followed by a double run from Wood, sealing the victory for the Strikers in their opening game.

For Sydney Sixers, Jack Edwards picked up two wickets in his quota of four overs.

Earlier, put into bat first, Sydney Sixers were limited to 159-9 at the end of their 20 overs.

Josh Philippe top-scored with 46 from 28, striking eight fours and a six, which helped the home side reach a respectable total.

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Despite losing Babar Azam early in the second over for nine, Sixers were cruising till the 11th over with 94 on the board.

But it was Lloyd Pope’s double-wicket 12th over that sparked a mini collapse and derailed the Sixers innings.

Jack Edwards was the other notable batter who hit 32 from 21 with the help of three fours and a six.

For Adelaide Strikers, Luke Wood scalped three wickets while Jamie Overton and Lloyd Pope picked up two wickets.

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Brisbane Heat fast bowler Shaheen Afridi aims to take advantage of pace-friendly Australian pitches to limit star batter Babar Azam in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15.

Shaheen talked about his game plan and playing against Pakistan players during ‘The Surge’ Big Bash podcast.

Babar Azam is representing Sydney Sixers in the 15th edition of the BBL.

“We have been playing for the same team for seven or eight years,” he said of Pakistan players.

“It will be more exciting here. I hope the ball helps us more, not like in Pakistan with flat wickets! We will be enjoying it here. It’ll be exciting playing against each other,” Pakistan ODI skipper continued.

The left-arm pacer hailed Babar Azam’s stature as a batter ahead of his outing against Sydney Sixers on January 6.

“I don’t want to say that!,” he laughed when asked how he might try to limit Babar’s flow.

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“Babar is a world-class player, no doubt about that, and he had a lot of runs for Pakistan for many years. “My plan will be simple: Use the Australian wickets,” he explained.

For those unaware, Shaheen started poorly in his maiden BBL outing as he was removed from the bowling attack during the Brisbane Heat’s clash against the Melbourne Renegades.

Afridi’s debut summed up a rough opening week for Pakistan stars in the BBL this season, with the fast bowler struggling for control at the death.

The Pakistan pacer conceded 43 runs in just 2.4 overs, a disappointing return for a player Brisbane Heat had selected as their first overseas pick in the BBL 15 draft.

Brought back into the attack in the 18th over by Heat captain Nathan McSweeney, Shaheen immediately came under pressure as Oliver Peake launched him for a six over deep midwicket.

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Attempting to respond with fuller deliveries, the 25-year-old repeatedly missed his yorker length.

A low full toss first allowed the Renegades to escape with a single, before things unravelled further when Shaheen overstepped the mark with a waist-high full toss that was called a no-ball.

Eventually, due to two waist-high no-balls in the same over, the umpires stepped in and took Shaheen off the attack, bringing an abrupt end to a forgettable outing.

READ: Shaheen Afridi endures nightmare BBL debut as umpires take him off attack

Former Australian captain Aaron Finch lavished praise on Pakistan cricketers set to play in the Big Bash League (BBL) 15, stating that they are ‘global superstars’ and crucial for

Finch called the Pakistan players vital to Australian cricket, noting that they are global superstars.

“They’re not just Pakistan players, they’re Pakistan superstars, they’re global superstars. That’s so important to our game because they’re such great players,” Finch said during a podcast.

“I think that that is so important that that knowledge is passed on and that’s why having internationals is so crucial in our game,” he continued.

Finch lavished praise on Babar Azam despite the latter’s dip in form over the last couple of years.

“You’ve got one of the best players that I’ve ever played against. I played against Babar in Pakistan, and it was almost impossible to get him out,” Finch recalled.

“I know he’s been a little bit more quiet in the last 18 months, but he’s a world-beater at his very best,” he explained.

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The 39-year-old also talked about wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan, who will be making his debut for the Melbourne Renegades.

“Mohammad Rizwan never shuts up behind the stumps, but seriously talented,” Finch said.

“I was talking to Jake Fraser-McGurk earlier at a shoot that we’re doing together, and I know we’re going to chat to him soon, but he was talking about what he’s learned off Rizwan already in the couple of days that he’s been here.”

“It’s incredible what it means, not for the players to be involved themselves, but for our players to learn as much as they can,” he concluded.

For the unversed, several Pakistani players will be in action in the BBL 15.

The tournament, running from December 14 to January 25, 2026, will feature 44 matches. Notably, most of the tournament’s fixtures will be played primarily in prime-time evening slots.

Alongside Babar and Shaheen, several other Pakistan internationals will feature this season: Mohammad Rizwan and Hassan Khan will line up for Melbourne Renegades, Haris Rauf has signed with Melbourne Stars, Shadab Khan with Sydney Thunder, and Hasan Ali with Adelaide Strikers.

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Pakistan’s star all-rounder Shadab Khan has expressed his excitement not only about returning to competitive cricket but also about a much-anticipated showdown with compatriot Babar Azam in the Big Bash League (BBL) 2025.

The leg-spinner underwent right-shoulder surgery on July 5 in England after persistent discomfort and multiple medical consultations.

The procedure sidelined him for nearly five months, ruling him out of several major assignments, including the Asia Cup 2025.

Now fully recovered, Shadab Khan is set to return to action in the BBL, where he will represent the Sydney Thunder, his first major appearance since surgery.

Speaking exclusively to ARY News, he said his ambition is simple: make a strong, impactful comeback.

“This is my first event after surgery,” Shadab said. “Because of the surgery, I stayed away from cricket for almost five months.”

“But I’ve completed my preparation for the Big Bash League, and my only aim is to play good cricket and make a strong comeback.”

With multiple Pakistani stars featuring across franchises, Shadab believes this season will attract heightened interest.

“Pakistan’s big-name players will be in action this time,” he said. “Because of Pakistani players, the Big Bash is getting even more attention.”

One of the biggest storylines of the season will be Shadab going head-to-head with former Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who will represent the Sydney Sixers.

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The two sides meet twice in the high-voltage Sydney Derby, first on 20 December and again on 16 January.

“Babar and I have played together a lot,” Shadab said. “We understand each other’s mindset. It will be fun when Babar and I face each other on Australian soil.”

Shadab Khan also spoke about the experience of sharing a dressing room with top Australian names.

“Playing alongside David Warner and other Australian players will be a unique experience,” he said.

Reflecting on his recovery, the all-rounder said highs and lows are part of the sport.

“Injuries and being out of form are part of a player’s life,” he admitted. “I accept that I’ve been through that phase too.”

He stressed the importance of all-rounders contributing in every department.

“An all-rounder should focus on both batting and bowling,” he said. “It’s wrong to think that if your batting isn’t going well, your bowling won’t help either. Playing different roles according to the team and the situation is not a bad thing.”

With a strong Pakistani presence expected in the stands, Shadab said fan support plays a key role in boosting confidence.

“There is a large number of Pakistani fans in Australia,” he said. “We get energy from the fans.”

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Sydney Sixers have given their marquee overseas signing, Babar Azam, a distinctive identity ahead of the Big Bash League (BBL) season 15, unveiling a customised jersey number for him.

The former Pakistan skipper, who arrived in Sydney this week to begin his BBL stint, will wear the number 056, a creative adaptation of his usual 56.

The franchise introduced the unique number across their social media platforms, releasing images of Babar at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) sporting his new look.

The tweak comes out of necessity, with Mitchell Starc, a mainstay at the Sixers, retaining the traditional 56 jersey.

The club showcased the pairing with a playful reveal captioned, “056 x 56 🔥 Babar wears 056, and Starc will wear 56 in BBL|15.”

The Sixers followed up the announcement with a short teaser video marking Babar’s arrival, showing the star batter walking into the dressing room with the simple caption: “He’s arrived.”

His inclusion is among the most anticipated features of BBL 15, which begins December 14 and runs through January 25, 2026, with 44 matches, most in prime-time evening slots.

Pakistan’s presence in this year’s competition is set to be one of the strongest in recent editions. Alongside Babar and Shaheen Afridi, several other national players were snapped up in the BBL 15 auction.

Mohammad Rizwan and Hassan Khan will represent the Melbourne Renegades, Haris Rauf joins the Melbourne Stars, Shadab Khan links up with the Sydney Thunder, and Hasan Ali features for the Adelaide Strikers.

READ: Virat Kohli closes in on leader Rohit Sharma in ODI Batting Rankings

Pakistan’s ace duo Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi arrived in Australia for the upcoming 15th edition of the Big Bash League (BBL).

The highly anticipated edition of Australia’s premier T20 competition will begin on December 14.

The star players’ arrival was confirmed via their respective outfits’ Brisbane Heat and Sydney Sixers social media handles.

 

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“The number one draft pick has landed. Welcome to Brisbane, @iShaheenAfridi,” the Brisbane Heat wrote in its social media caption.

For those unaware, Shaheen was picked by the Brisbane Heat as their No.1 draft pick, while Babar was signed by the Sydney Sixers.

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Meanwhile, the Sixers released a short teaser video of the star batter walking into the dressing room, simply captioned: “He’s arrived.”

 

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A post shared by Sydney Sixers (@sixersbbl)

It is worth mentioning that this year, several Pakistani players remained hot picks in the BBL 15 auction held earlier.

The tournament, running from December 14 to January 25, 2026, will feature 44 matches. Notably, most of the tournament’s fixtures will be played primarily in prime-time evening slots.

Alongside Babar and Shaheen, several other Pakistan internationals will feature this season: Mohammad Rizwan and Hassan Khan will line up for Melbourne Renegades, Haris Rauf has signed with Melbourne Stars, Shadab Khan with Sydney Thunder, and Hasan Ali with Adelaide Strikers.

The BBL 15 has confirmed that the finals will retain the traditional four-match format, with the Qualifier scheduled for January 20 and the final to be played on January 25.

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