Shaheer Ahmed
Pakistan captain Babar Azam won the ICC Men’s ODI Cricketer of the Year Award for the second year in a row in 2022 because of his game-winning runs, spellbinding stroke play, and unforgettable moments both individually and collectively.
While 2021 was a memorable year for the Pakistan captain in one-day international cricket, 2022 was even better, with the ultra-reliable right-hander continuing to hold the top spot in the batting rankings that is Babar Azam, according to the MRF Tyres ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings. Babar Azam because of his winning techniques brought pride to Pakistan.
Double delight for Babar Azam 🤩
After being named the ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year, the Pakistan star bags the Sir Garfield Sobers Trophy for the ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year 👏#ICCAwards
— ICC (@ICC) January 26, 2023
Babar has held the championship since July 2021 and based on his recent performance, he has no plans to give it up anytime soon. Though it may come as a surprise, Babar only played nine One-Day Internationals in 2022. Pakistan has hit hard in achieving wonderful scores.
Babar Azam is in elite company ✨
🔗 https://t.co/zpBRCtyATL | #ICCAwards pic.twitter.com/zZWazFXlCT
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) January 26, 2023
However, the 28-year-old made the most of his limited opportunities, scoring three hundred, and five half-centuries, and really only failing with the bat once.
Not only did Babar do well individually, but the Pakistan captain also guided his side to a perfect record of twenty-one wins and zero losses.
In ODIs, Babar Azam was sensational throughout 2022, but his stunning 114 against Australia in Lahore at the end of March stands out among all.
Many people consider Babar Azam to be one of the greatest batsmen and captains of all time, and they never get tired of singing his praises.
Cricket fraternity congratulates Babar Azam for bagging multiple ICC awards
Read more: https://t.co/RI0U39hvEA#ICCAwards #BabarAzam𓃵 pic.twitter.com/zuNge1qBUQ
— Cricket Pakistan (@cricketpakcompk) January 26, 2023
Under Babar’s leadership, Pakistan dominated in one-day internationals, sweeping all three series they played and losing just one of nine games against Australia. He batted for ten hours straight in the second innings, scoring 196 not out, and almost bringing Pakistan back from the brink of loss to force a draw in the Test match played in Karachi.
Babar Azam's reign in ODIs continues.#BabarAzam #ICCAwards pic.twitter.com/L7g9nwoC23
— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) January 26, 2023
For Pakistan, this is a remarkable feat in only two years’ time. Pakistanis are proud of Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi for bringing pride to Pakistan.
