In a statement likely to stir debate among Pakistani cricket fans, Fakhar Zaman has drawn attention after suggesting that rising star Saim Ayub may be better than one of Pakistan’s premier batters, Babar Azam.
The remark was ostensibly made during a casual interaction with his Lahore teammates. “In Lahore, someone asked me, and I said that Saim Ayub is the updated version of Babar Azam.” Fakhar Zaman said.
Although made in a light-hearted setting, the comment has gained traction online and is expected to prompt discussion among fans and analysts, particularly as it involves the former Pakistan captain.
This is not the first time Fakhar Zaman has mentioned Babar and Saim in the same breath. Earlier in his career, Fakhar described Saim as the most promising talent Pakistan had produced since Babar’s emergence. The respect between Fakhar Zaman and Saim appears to be mutual.
Despite being relatively new to international cricket, Saim Ayub has quickly cemented his place in Pakistan’s playing XI across all three formats. He truly made his mark in 2024 and widely earned assurances as a future leader of the national side. Babar Azam, meanwhile, is experiencing a difficult phase in his career. He has lost his spot in the T20I squad to younger players and has struggled to replicate the form that once made him one of the world’s top batters.
However, comparisons between the two may be premature even for experts like Fakhar Zaman. Despite recent challenges, Babar remains one of the most accomplished batters in Pakistan’s history. Saim, while highly promising, still has a long way to go to match the achievements of the former captain.
Fakhar Zaman’s comments are likely to reignite debate within Pakistan’s cricketing circles. As the national team prepares for upcoming international fixtures, the conversation around Saim Ayub’s rise and Babar Azam’s future is expected to continue.