Babar Azam was a precocious and promising 22-year-old when he helped Pakistan win the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy in 2017.
Almost eight years on, he has developed into one of the world’s best batters across all formats and has his sights set on helping his country repeat the feat.
The 2017 competition helped Babar announce himself on the international scene. A typically busy 46 from 52 balls in the final against India helped Pakistan on their way to a 180-run win at The Oval which remains etched in the national cricketing consciousness.
“I am very excited,” he said. “We are going to have an ICC tournament in Pakistan after a very long time. As a player, I am very excited, and all the fans are excited.
“My primary memories of the 2017 final are Fakhar Zaman’s innings (of 114), the spell of Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali’s spell and the winning moment.
“A lot has changed since the Champions Trophy was held in 2017. We have new players coming, we only have three or four players who were part of that winning team. But the belief, confidence and execution is the same.”
Pakistan kicks-off the tournament against New Zealand in Karachi on Wednesday, a clash which will include two of biggest names in the competition, with Babar set to go head-to-head with Kiwi star Kane Williamson.
Joe Root, Steve Smith and Virat Kohli are part of the respective England, Australia and India squads but Babar stands in a league of his own in ODI cricket, heading into this competition as the world’s top ranked batter in the 50-over format.
“I try to give my best in every match. I try to perform so that Pakistan win and I enjoy my cricket.”
His form will be crucial if Pakistan are to improve on their recent tournament record. They have been knocked out in the group stage at the last two ICC Men’s Cricket World Cups and suffered the same fate at last year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup after losing to co-hosts USA.
“There is no pressure of anything,” Babar said.
Home advantage could be key if Pakistan are to experience a change in fortunes. Babar’s home city of Lahore is among the three Pakistani cities hosting matches and he believes local knowledge will help his side thrive.
“When you play at home you get that edge as you know the conditions,” he said.
“Cricket puts everyone in one place. It unites everyone and the whole of Pakistan is busy praying that Pakistan wins. Everyone is united in that.”
