As the cricket world gears up for the highly anticipated ICC Champions Trophy 2025, New Zealand captain Kane Williamson has made a bold statement about Pakistan’s star batsman, Babar Azam. Williamson, who is known for his calm and measured approach, has described Azam as a “world-class batter,” praising the Pakistan captain for his remarkable consistency and skill across all formats of the game.
Speaking ahead of the tournament, Williamson acknowledged Azam’s excellence, noting that he is firmly part of the elite group of modern-day cricketers, often referred to as the “Fab Four.” This group typically includes players like Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root, and Kane Williamson himself, and Azam’s inclusion in this category is a testament to the impact he has had on the international stage. Williamson’s words have given Azam the recognition he deserves, placing him among the top batsmen in world cricket today.
Azam’s reputation as a consistent run-scorer in all formats is well-established. Over the years, he has been a key player for Pakistan, leading from the front with his elegant stroke play and ability to perform under pressure. His leadership has been a crucial factor in Pakistan’s cricketing success, and his performances in the shorter formats, particularly in ODIs and T20Is, have solidified his place as one of the most reliable players in international cricket.
However, despite Williamson’s glowing praise, Azam has faced some challenges with his form recently. While his talent is unquestionable, his performances in the past year or so have been inconsistent, leading to scrutiny from both fans and critics. In particular, Azam’s recent outing in a tri-series against New Zealand did not go as planned. He struggled to get going in the opening match, managing just 10 runs off 23 balls, a performance that contributed to Pakistan’s loss.
This dip in form has sparked some concern within the Pakistan cricket camp, but support for Azam remains strong. Pakistan’s red-ball captain, Shan Masood, recently spoke out in defense of his teammate, suggesting that a short break from the game could do Azam wonders. Masood emphasized that a mental and physical reset could help Azam regain his rhythm and return to peak form for the Champions Trophy. His comments highlight the belief within the Pakistan squad that Azam’s current struggles are temporary and that he will bounce back stronger.
Looking ahead to the Champions Trophy, all eyes will be on Babar Azam as he seeks to lead Pakistan to success on the global stage. While his recent form may raise some questions, there is no doubt about his potential and ability to perform under pressure. The ICC Champions Trophy provides a platform for players to showcase their skills on the world’s biggest stage, and Azam will be determined to prove that he belongs among the best in the world.
Kane Williamson’s endorsement of Azam as a world-class player is not just a recognition of his past achievements, but also a challenge for the Pakistan captain to live up to the expectations that come with such praise. As the Champions Trophy draws closer, Azam will be eager to silence his critics and deliver a standout performance for Pakistan. With the backing of his teammates and the belief of cricketing greats like Williamson, Babar Azam will be hoping to make a significant impact on the tournament and cement his place as one of the leading batsmen of his generation.