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Not Wasim Akram or Waqar Younis! Babar Azam honoured by James Anderson among Pakistan legends

Akshita Patel

James Anderson adores Babar Azam [Source: @CricCrazyJohns, @Inayattttt_56/X.com]James Anderson adores Babar Azam [Source: @CricCrazyJohns, @Inayattttt_56/X.com]

Former England pacer James Anderson rated Babar Azam highly as he picked him as his favourite cricketer from Pakistan. This happened during James’ rapid-fire round with TNT.

Anderson, widely regarded as one of the finest swing bowlers in the history of the game, retired at the age of 41. He finished his career with 704 Test wickets, most by a fast bowler in the history of the format.

James Anderson makes a surprise pick for favourite Pakistan cricketer

Meanwhile, in a rapid-fire round with TNT Sports, James Anderson was asked to pick his favourite cricketer from each country.

From Australia, he picked Shane Warner, Joe Root from England, Tim Southee from New Zealand, AB de Villiers from South Africa and Virat Kohli from India.

From Pakistan, however, Anderson snubbed former legends to pick Babar Azam as the most admired Pakistani cricketer. 

Babar, 31, is Pakistan's modern-day great with over 15000 runs in international cricket. He is the leading run scorer (4429) in the T20I format history.

Hence, given his statistical strength, James Anderson opined that Babar Azam is the finest cricketer to play for Pakistan.

Babar Azam included in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s next big assignment is the T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled in India and Sri Lanka in February. 

According to reports, Pakistan have submitted a preliminary 20-member squad for the tournament to the ICC, with Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Shadab Khan included. 

Former captain Mohammad Rizwan has been left out, reportedly due to head coach Mike Hesson’s preference for Usman Khan as wicketkeeper. 

Shaheen has been picked despite a knee injury, while Babar’s recent BBL form worked in his favour.