Babar Azam Fails To Make Into Even Pakistan’s Best-Ever List According To Mohammad Yousaf
A Milestone Match and a Legendary Debate
Pakistan recently celebrated a historic landmark, playing their 1000th ODI fixture against Australia at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The occasion was marked by a sensational performance from debutant Arafat Minhas, who became the first male Pakistan cricketer to secure a five-wicket haul in his maiden ODI outing. His contributions, supported by Abrar Ahmed, restricted Australia to 200 runs, setting the stage for a convincing five-wicket victory for the Men in Green, spearheaded by half-centuries from Babar Azam and Ghazi Ghori.
However, the post-match discourse quickly shifted from the current squad’s success to the historical giants of the game. Former legendary batter Mohammad Yousaf took the opportunity to reflect on the nation’s cricketing history by naming his greatest-ever Pakistan ODI team.
Mohammad Yousaf’s Selection Criteria
Yousaf, a veteran of 90 Test matches and 288 ODIs, provided a list that highlights the immense talent pool Pakistan has produced over the decades. His selections reflect a preference for players who defined their respective roles with sheer dominance and historical impact.
- 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 Pakistan’s cricketing achievements, serving as the defining moment in his selection rationale.
Why Babar Azam Fails To Make Into Even Pakistan’s Best-Ever List
The most notable exclusion from Yousaf’s list is the modern-day maestro, Babar Azam. Despite Babar having already equalled many of the legendary records in limited-overs cricket, including the tally of ODI centuries, Yousaf opted for the left-handed elegance of Saeed Anwar. Anwar, who amassed 8824 runs in 247 ODIs, including 20 centuries and 43 half-centuries, was renowned for a level of flamboyance that Yousaf believes remains unmatched.
Anwar’s career was a series of artistic displays, most famously his 194 against India in 1997, which stood as the highest individual score in the format for years. While Babar Azam continues to rewrite the record books with his consistency and technical precision, the aesthetic appeal of Saeed Anwar’s batting clearly holds a special place in the hearts of his peers.
Reflecting on the Legacy of Saeed Anwar
Saeed Anwar’s journey was not without its heartbreaks. Although he debuted in 1989 and became an integral part of the team, he missed the historic 1992 World Cup squad due to injury. Throughout the 1996, 1999, and 2003 World Cups, he remained a potent threat to any bowling attack. His century against India during the 2003 World Cup stands as a masterclass, though the result did not go in Pakistan’s favor.
A Subjective View on Pakistan’s Greatest
While Mohammad Yousaf’s list is undeniably grounded in respect for the greats, the selection is not without room for healthy debate. Some cricket analysts might argue that Moin Khan’s contributions behind the stumps could challenge Rashid Latif for the wicketkeeping role. Furthermore, while the 1992 World Cup is the undisputed favorite, the 2017 Champions Trophy victory is often cited as one of the greatest underdog stories in the history of the sport.
Ultimately, choosing an ‘all-time’ list is an exercise in subjectivity. Babar Azam’s exclusion highlights the extraordinary depth of Pakistan’s cricketing pedigree, where even a contemporary giant like him faces stiff competition from the legends of the past. As the game evolves, the conversation surrounding who constitutes the ‘best-ever’ will undoubtedly continue to evolve alongside it.
