He’s probably not (at his peak): Ricky Ponting on Babar Azam

Babar Azam won ICC Men's Cricketer of the Year 2022 [Associated Press]

Babar Azam swept the awards last evening, winning both ICC Men's ODI Cricketer of the Year and Cricketer of the Year 2022, respectively for his batting exploits last year. The batter amassed 2,598 runs with eight tons and 17 fifties for Pakistan across formats. 

Former Australian legend Ricky Ponting, speaking to the ICC, said that Azam is yet to hit peak form and could very well emulate the likes of David Warner and Steven Smith, who displayed their class in their thirties.

Azam, 28, has played 47 Tests, 95 ODIs, and 99 T20Is for Pakistan since 2015.

Here's what Ponting said

“He’s probably not (at his peak). Most batters come into their prime in the start of their early thirties. ​You’re sort of working on your game and improving your game right through to a certain point. And that for most guys is it. 

"You look at where Steve Smith and (David) Warner and those guys have been. Steve Smith is probably playing as well as he’s ever played now, along with guys like Kane Williamson as well in their early thirties."

The former two-time World Cup-winning captain further stated that Azam has room for improvement, which according to him is a scary thought. 

Azam will next be in action playing for Peshawar Zalmi in the upcoming edition of the Pakistan Super League. 

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