(Sports Correspondent: Imran Soahil)
Fakhar Zaman Suggests Saim Ayub Could Be the ‘Updated Version’ of Babar Azam
In a statement that has caught the attention of cricket fans, Fakhar Zaman recently suggested that rising star Saim Ayub may represent an evolution in batting talent, drawing comparisons with Pakistan’s former captain, Babar Azam.
Speaking casually with his Lahore teammates, Fakhar said, “In Lahore, someone asked me, and I said that Saim Ayub is the updated version of Babar Azam.” While made in a light-hearted setting, the comment has sparked online discussions among fans and analysts alike.
This is not the first time Fakhar has highlighted Saim Ayub’s potential. Earlier in his career, he described Saim as one of the most promising talents to emerge in Pakistan cricket since Babar’s rise. The mutual respect between Fakhar and Saim is evident, with both players supporting each other’s growth.
Saim Ayub, despite being relatively new to international cricket, has quickly secured his spot in Pakistan’s playing XI across all formats. His performances in 2024, in particular, have earned him recognition as a key player for the future. Meanwhile, Babar Azam has faced a challenging phase, losing his T20I spot to younger players and struggling to maintain the consistency that once made him a top-ranked batter.
Experts, including Fakhar Zaman, caution that such comparisons may be premature. While Saim shows immense promise, Babar Azam’s achievements and status as one of Pakistan’s leading batters remain significant.
Fakhar Zaman’s remarks are likely to reignite debates in Pakistan’s cricket circles as the national team prepares for upcoming international fixtures, with fans closely watching Saim Ayub’s rise and Babar Azam’s future performances.
