Pakistan’s premier batter Babar Azam continues to influence the next generation of cricketers, not just through runs, but through his presence at the crease. Another emerging batter has now highlighted how sharing an innings with Babar can elevate a player’s entire approach to batting.
Shamyl Hussain, the talented opening batsman currently in outstanding form during the President’s Cup, recently shared his experience of batting alongside Babar. According to Shamyl, that single partnership changed the way he thinks about the game.
“I batted with Babar bhai in one match; that feeling was different,” Shamyl said. “He keeps guiding you, and you start paying more attention to what he says. When someone has stayed at the top for so long, you naturally want to learn from him.”
Form That Matches the Words
Shamyl’s comments carry weight because his performances back them up. During the 2025–26 Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, he transformed from a promising prospect into one of the competition’s standout batters. Opening for Islamabad, he remained near the top of the run charts and produced back-to-back centuries, marking his arrival as a serious red-ball contender.
That momentum has continued into the President’s Cup, where representing Pakistan Television (PTV), Shamyl has compiled six consecutive 50-plus scores across formats, further strengthening his case for higher honors.
A Pattern Seen Everywhere Babar Plays
This impact is not limited to domestic cricket. In the ongoing BBL 15, Babar Azam has had a similar effect on international teammates. After a match-winning partnership for the Sydney Sixers, Josh Philippe described batting with Babar as an “outstanding” experience.
Philippe explained how Babar’s calm presence, simple communication, and clarity under pressure helped guide the chase and kept the innings on track during critical phases.
Inspiring the Next Generation
At the Under-19 level, rising star Sameer Minhas has also openly credited Babar Azam as his biggest influence. The standout performer of the 2025 ACC U19 Asia Cup, Sameer produced unforgettable innings, including 172 against India in the final and 177 earlier in the tournament*, finishing as Player of the Series.
His composed starts and controlled acceleration have already drawn comparisons with Babar’s batting blueprint.
More Than Just Runs
Beyond performances, Babar’s presence is boosting the global appeal of leagues he plays in. His popularity has helped drive record crowds and streaming numbers in BBL 15, with the Sydney Sixers even expanding a special “Babaristan” section at the SCG due to fan demand.
Time and again, from juniors to international professionals, the message is the same: batting with Babar Azam doesn’t just add runs—it makes players better.
