Sir Vivian Richards Defends Babar Azam Amid Widespread Criticism

Babar Azam’s ongoing struggles with the bat have left very few people in his corner, but among his supporters is one of the greatest cricketers to ever play the sport: Sir Vivian (Viv) Richards.

While speaking to Nukta, Vivian Richards, a man who redefined aggression in his prime and remains one of the most respected names in the sport’s history, backed the former captain to return to his best soon.

“(Babar Azam) is one of the better Pakistani batsmen,” Richards said during the interview. “People would look and say he is too slow, but you do need that sort of foundation in your team. When you have guys who can hit, it’s nice to have someone who is properly good when it comes to technique,” said Viv Richards, delivering a clear message for those rushing to write off Pakistan’s premier batter.

“Babar Azam, Test match cricket, ODIs and T20 to me he is a complete player” Viv Richards concluded.

The Antiguan’s endorsement carries weight. Richards, who has worked closely with Pakistan’s T20 setup as a mentor in the Pakistan Super League, understands both the modern demands of the game and the need for balance in a batting unit. In his eyes, Babar’s methodical approach isn’t a flaw but a necessity.

Babar Azam has often been labeled “old school” in a format that celebrates chaos. His strike rate, particularly in the shortest format, has been a point of relentless debate—especially when Pakistan has faltered in chases or posted underwhelming totals.

It’s easy to reduce Babar Azam’s impact to metrics by comparing his strike rate with more explosive contemporaries. But players like Viv Richards remind us that not all value can be measured in balls faced or boundaries hit. Sometimes, it lies in the calm assurance of absorbing pressure and holding a crumbling innings together.

Viv Richards’ remarks should serve as a broader reminder to fans and critics alike: cricket is a team sport. Every ensemble needs a supporting cast, and singling out Babar for everything wrong with Pakistan cricket may not be the best course of action.

And if one of the greatest batters in the history of the game vouches for that approach, maybe it’s time we listened.