Babar Azam Fails To Make Into Even Pakistan’s Best-Ever List According To Mohammad Yousaf

A Milestone Celebration for Pakistan Cricket

Pakistan recently celebrated a historic milestone by playing their 1000th ODI fixture against Australia at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The occasion was marked by a memorable performance, headlined by debutant Arafat Minhas. Minhas secured a place in the history books by becoming the first-ever male Pakistan cricketer to take a five-wicket haul in his debut ODI match. The young all-rounder further cemented his impact by hitting the winning runs with a maximum, guiding the team to a comfortable victory while chasing a target of 200.

Image Credits: AFP

Mohammad Yousaf Announces His All-Time XI

Following the conclusion of this high-profile series, former middle-order stalwart Mohammad Yousaf took the opportunity to reflect on the rich history of Pakistan cricket. The 90-Test veteran, having represented his country in 288 ODIs, provided his personal assessment of the greatest players to ever don the green jersey. His selections offer a fascinating look at how different generations view the evolution of the sport.

For Yousaf, the legendary Imran Khan remains the undisputed choice as Pakistan’s premier ODI captain and all-rounder. In the bowling department, the master of swing, Wasim Akram, was named the greatest fast bowler, while the enigmatic Saqlain Mushtaq received the nod as the premier spinner. Behind the stumps, Yousaf opted for the experienced Rashid Latif, and he cited the historic 1992 World Cup victory as the most cherished moment in the nation’s cricketing journey.

The Omission of a Modern Maestro

Perhaps the most discussed aspect of Yousaf’s list is that Babar Azam Fails To Make Into Even Pakistan’s Best-Ever List. Despite being widely regarded as one of the best batters in the contemporary game and having already matched the tally of ODI centuries previously held by Yousaf, the modern maestro was overlooked in favor of the elegant southpaw, Saeed Anwar.

Yousaf’s justification for choosing Anwar over both himself and Babar Azam lies in the unmatched flamboyance and aesthetic appeal of the left-hander. Anwar, who played 247 ODIs, amassed 8,824 runs with 20 centuries and 43 half-centuries. His legendary knock of 194 against India remained the highest individual score in the format for many years until it was surpassed by Sachin Tendulkar in 2010.

The Legacy of Saeed Anwar

Saeed Anwar’s career was defined by elegance and timing. Making his debut in 1989 against the West Indies at the WACA, he quickly became a linchpin of the batting lineup. While he was sadly sidelined by injury just before the 1992 World Cup—missing out on that ultimate triumph—he remained a dominant force throughout the 1996, 1999, and 2003 tournaments. His 101-run innings against India in the 2003 World Cup remains one of the finest displays of batting under pressure, even though it ultimately fell short in that contest.

Reflections on the Selection

While Mohammad Yousaf’s list is undeniably rooted in deep respect for his predecessors, it opens the floor for healthy debate. Some cricket analysts suggest that Moin Khan might have been a strong contender for the wicketkeeping slot over Rashid Latif. Furthermore, while the 1992 World Cup victory is considered the pinnacle of Pakistan’s sporting history, many fans feel the 2017 Champions Trophy victory should be recognized as a greater underdog narrative that redefined the modern team.

Ultimately, the exclusion of a player of Babar Azam’s caliber from such a list highlights the depth of talent Pakistan has produced over the decades. As the team moves forward, comparisons between the icons of the past and the stars of the present will continue to fuel the passion of the cricketing faithful.