No Babar Azam! Mohammad Yousuf names Pakistan’s greatest cricketers after histor
A Milestone Celebration and a Surprising List
The Pakistan national cricket team recently achieved a historic milestone, securing their 1,000th ODI victory with a clinical performance against Australia in Rawalpindi. While the cricketing fraternity was focused on the team’s success in the series opener, a post-match social media contribution from batting icon Mohammad Yousuf quickly stole the headlines. In a surprising turn of events, the legendary batter named his list of Pakistan’s all-time greatest cricketers, conspicuously omitting the modern-era superstar Babar Azam.
The Icons Chosen by Mohammad Yousuf
To honor the landmark of 1,000 ODI wins, Mohammad Yousuf took to his social media platform to curate a list of the players he considers the best to have ever represented the country in specific roles. His selections reflect a deep appreciation for the legends who defined eras of Pakistani dominance.
- Best Captain and All-rounder: Imran Khan. A visionary leader, the 1992 World Cup-winning captain amassed 3,709 runs and claimed 182 wickets in 175 ODI appearances.
- Greatest Fast Bowler: Wasim Akram. Widely regarded as the ‘Sultan of Swing’, Akram played 356 matches, scoring 3,717 runs and becoming the first bowler to reach 500 ODI wickets.
- Greatest Batter: Saeed Anwar. A master of the craft, the stylish opener finished his illustrious career with 8,824 runs in 247 ODIs.
- Wicket-keeper: Rashid Latif. Known for his tactical brilliance behind the stumps, Latif recorded 220 dismissals across 166 matches.
- Greatest Spinner: Saqlain Mushtaq. The innovator of the ‘doosra’, Mushtaq remains a titan of the format with 288 wickets in 169 matches.
By focusing on these stalwarts, Yousuf also highlighted the 1992 World Cup triumph in Melbourne as the most memorable moment in Pakistan’s cricketing history, a victory that remains etched in the memory of every cricket enthusiast in the nation.
The Present Meets the Future
While the debate surrounding Yousuf’s list continues, the match against Australia itself showcased the depth of Pakistani talent. Debuting spinner Arafat Minhas provided a spectacular performance, claiming five wickets for 32 runs, making him the first Pakistani bowler to achieve a five-wicket haul on home soil during his ODI debut. Despite Australia posting 200, the target proved manageable for the home side.
During the successful chase, Babar Azam demonstrated his composure, contributing a crucial 69 runs from 94 balls. Supported by an impressive 65 from Ghazi Ghori, the pair stitched together a 127-run partnership that effectively neutralized the Australian attack. This win not only marked the historic 1,000th victory but also provided Pakistan with a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, with upcoming clashes set for Lahore.
Reflecting on a Legacy
The exclusion of Babar Azam from Mohammad Yousuf’s list serves as a reminder of the sheer abundance of talent Pakistan has produced over the decades. While current stars like Babar continue to rewrite record books, the legacy left by icons like Imran Khan and Wasim Akram remains the foundational blueprint of Pakistani cricket excellence. As the team moves forward to the next fixtures, the blend of historical appreciation and current tactical dominance promises an exciting chapter for fans of the Men in Green.
