Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has stirred a debate in cricket circles after hailing young left-hander Saim Ayub as the “updated version” of Babar Azam. Fakhar said Saim has yet to showcase 80 percent of his talent.
In a video released by the Asian Cricket Council (ACC), Fakhar praised Saim’s batting skills and style. He compared him to former Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who has earned multiple ICC awards for his performances.
“Someone asked me in Lahore, and I told him that he is Babar Azam’s updated version,” Fakhar said. “He is a very different player, and I think he has not yet shown 80 percent of himself to the world.”
Saim Ayub made his T20I debut in March 2023 and has played 41 matches. He has scored 816 runs at an average of 22.05 and a strike rate of 136.45, including four half-centuries. His career-best score of 98 not out against South Africa highlighted his potential as a match-winner.
Pakistan’s white-ball head coach Mike Hesson echoed Fakhar’s remarks, noting that while Saim’s contributions have sometimes been inconsistent, his runs often decide match outcomes. “If Saim scores runs, we generally win,” Hesson said.
The debate gains importance as Babar faces challenges in T20Is, having lost his spot to younger players and struggling to replicate his past dominance. Fakhar has previously described Saim as Pakistan’s most exciting talent since Babar’s rise.
Cricket analysts caution that comparing Saim directly to Babar may be premature. While Saim’s promise excites fans, Babar remains one of Pakistan’s most accomplished batters in history.
This ongoing debate reflects growing interest in Pakistan’s next generation of cricket stars, with fans and experts watching Saim Ayub’s progress closely. His performances will likely influence Pakistan’s white-ball cricket strategy in the coming years.
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