Vivian Richards Backs Babar Azam: ‘A King Will Rise Again’
In a powerful show of support, Sir Vivian Richards, the West Indian cricket legend, has come forward to bolster Pakistan’s embattled star batter Babar Azam during one of the toughest phases of his career. Known for his swashbuckling style in the 1970s and 80s, Richards’ words carry weight as he predicts a strong comeback for the Pakistani maestro.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Cricket Pakistan, Richards emphasized that every player, no matter how talented, encounters rough patches. ‘A king is one who rules over all,’ he remarked, drawing a regal analogy for Babar. ‘No matter how good a batter you are, everyone goes through tough times. Babar is a very good player, and I’m confident he will regain his form soon.’
Babar Azam, once hailed as one of the finest batters across formats, has been under intense scrutiny following a string of poor performances. His struggles in T20 cricket led to his exclusion from Pakistan’s T20I squad for the recent tour of New Zealand. Adding to his woes, Babar has failed to make an impact in the ongoing PSL 2025, managing just single-digit scores in his first two outings for Peshawar Zalmi. The team currently languishes at the bottom of the points table, amplifying the pressure on their captain.
Yet, Richards, who serves as a mentor for Quetta Gladiators in the PSL, remains unshaken in his belief. Drawing parallels with Indian superstar Virat Kohli, who has also battled form slumps in his illustrious career, Richards said, ‘When you watch players like Kohli and Babar, they do justice to the game of cricket. Their class is permanent, and temporary setbacks cannot define them.’
Historically, Babar has been a pillar of consistency for Pakistan. With over 4,000 Test runs at an average of 46.42 and a staggering 5,729 ODI runs at 56.72 as of early 2025, his pedigree is undeniable. However, his recent T20 International strike rate of around 127 has drawn criticism, with many questioning his adaptability in the shortest format—a concern echoed in his PSL performances.
Richards’ endorsement comes at a crucial time as Babar faces mounting pressure from fans and selectors alike. The West Indian icon urged patience, reminding everyone that even legends like Sachin Tendulkar and Brian Lara endured lean spells before roaring back to form. ‘Resilience is the hallmark of a true champion,’ Richards added, fueling hope among Babar’s supporters.
As the PSL 2025 unfolds, all eyes will be on Babar Azam to see if he can turn the tide and live up to Richards’ prophecy. For now, the words of a cricketing king offer a beacon of hope in turbulent times. Will Babar rise again to rule the cricketing realm? Only time will tell.