In a glowing endorsement that has sparked admiration from cricket fans worldwide, former Australian captain Aaron Finch has lauded Babar Azam as the best cricketer of this decade. The remark came during a media interview in Sydney, where Finch was responding to a question regarding Babar Azam’s potential inclusion in the Big Bash League (BBL), particularly with the Sydney Sixers.
Finch’s acknowledgment not only elevates Babar’s status on the international stage but also highlights the growing global respect for Pakistani cricketers, including fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi, who was also praised for being a “match-winner.”
Let’s take a deeper look into Aaron Finch’s comments, Babar Azam’s stellar cricket journey, his global recognition, and what this means for Pakistan’s cricketing future.
Aaron Finch Praises Babar Azam’s World-Class Performance
Speaking in an interview conducted in Sydney, Aaron Finch, one of Australia’s most celebrated limited-overs cricketers and a former captain, didn’t hold back in his admiration for Babar Azam. When asked about the possibility of Babar joining the Sydney Sixers in the BBL, Finch responded:
“Babar Azam is the greatest player of this decade. His performances speak for themselves. He has given a befitting reply to his critics with consistent, world-class performances.”
Such high praise from a cricketer of Finch’s stature underscores the global recognition of Babar Azam’s skills, temperament, and leadership. Finch’s words resonate especially powerfully considering the historical Australia-Pakistan cricket rivalry and the scrutiny often faced by subcontinent players in overseas leagues.
The Rise of Babar Azam: A Profile of Consistency and Class
Babar Azam’s cricketing journey has been one of steady growth, elegant strokeplay, and unmatched consistency. Since making his debut for Pakistan in 2015, he has evolved into one of the most dependable batters across all formats.
Key Career Highlights:
- T20Is: Babar has consistently remained among the top-ranked T20I batsmen, often battling for the top spot with players like Virat Kohli and Suryakumar Yadav.
- ODIs: He became the fastest player in history to reach 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 ODI runs, surpassing even cricketing legends like Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers.
- Tests: Babar has proven himself in the longest format too, with classy centuries against top sides like Australia, South Africa, and England.
Moreover, his leadership stint as the captain of Pakistan’s national team has seen the side achieve remarkable victories, including a historic win against India in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021.
Global Recognition and T20 League Interest
Aaron Finch’s comments have reignited discussions about Babar Azam’s potential participation in the Big Bash League. While Babar has featured in various T20 leagues such as the Pakistan Super League (PSL), his absence from Australia’s BBL has been notable. With Finch’s endorsement, Babar’s entry into the BBL could now be more anticipated than ever.
“Fans in Australia would love to see Babar play in the BBL,” Finch said, reinforcing the notion that Babar’s presence could not only raise the standard of the league but also significantly boost its popularity among South Asian audiences.
In addition to Babar, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan’s left-arm pacer, also received praise from Finch, who described him as a “match-winner.” This shows the increasing acknowledgment of Pakistani players’ capabilities in pressure situations and international tournaments.
Babar Azam’s Response to Critics: Let the Bat Do the Talking
Throughout his career, Babar has had to deal with criticism—whether it was about his strike rate in T20s, leadership style, or performance dips. However, his strategy has been consistent: respond with performance rather than words.
In 2023, when his form briefly dipped, some critics were quick to question his place in the team and captaincy. But Babar bounced back with a string of high-impact performances in ODIs and T20Is, shutting down detractors and proving why he is considered one of the top batters in modern cricket.
The Broader Significance for Pakistani Cricket
Finch’s endorsement is more than just individual praise for Babar Azam. It’s a reflection of Pakistan’s evolving cricketing stature on the global stage. Pakistani players, once underrepresented in major T20 leagues outside of the PSL, are now seen as valuable assets to international teams and tournaments.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi has already played in England’s The Hundred and is in demand in multiple leagues.
- Mohammad Rizwan, Babar’s frequent opening partner, has also earned accolades for his wicketkeeping and batting prowess.
- Young talents like Naseem Shah and Iftikhar Ahmed are gaining attention from franchises around the world.
Cricket Diplomacy: The Role of Leagues in Improving Ties
With Babar’s growing appeal in global leagues, including a potential debut in the BBL, it opens up soft diplomacy channels between nations like Pakistan and Australia. Cricket has long been a medium for fostering cultural ties and mutual respect. If Babar and other Pakistani players are featured in the BBL, it can pave the way for deeper cricketing collaborations, bilateral series, and exchange programs.
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Finch’s comments have gone viral on social media, with fans celebrating the recognition of Babar’s talent by a respected international player. The hashtags #BabarAzam, #AaronFinch, and #BBL2025 have trended on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, with thousands of users calling for Babar’s inclusion in the upcoming Big Bash League season.
Cricket analysts and former players have also weighed in:
- Wasim Akram tweeted: “Great to see international stars acknowledging Babar. Deserves every bit of praise.”
- Michael Vaughan commented: “Babar Azam’s cover drive is a thing of beauty. Easily among the top three batters in the world right now.”
Conclusion: A Defining Era for Pakistani Cricket
Aaron Finch declaring Babar Azam the best cricketer of the decade is not just a flattering comment—it’s a milestone moment in Babar’s career and a point of pride for Pakistani cricket. It reflects the global respect that Pakistan’s cricketers have earned through hard work, talent, and consistent performances.
As Babar continues to grow in stature and possibly enters leagues like the BBL, fans around the world can look forward to watching one of the most elegant and reliable batsmen of this generation.
His journey—from a young debutant to the face of Pakistan cricket—stands as a beacon of inspiration not only for aspiring cricketers in Pakistan but also for anyone striving to make a mark with integrity and resilience.
