February 18, 2025: Ahead of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy, Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam received a special honor with the International Cricket Council (ICC) presenting him with his ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year 2024 cap.
In a video shared by the ICC on Instagram, Babar can be seen receiving the cap, with the caption, “The ICC T20I Team of the Year 2024 cap fits perfectly on Babar Azam.”
The 31-year-old batter, who has been a cornerstone of Pakistan’s batting lineup, earned a spot in the prestigious T20I Team of the Year for his stellar performances throughout 2024. His consistent run in the T20 format saw him accumulate 738 runs in 24 matches, including six half-centuries, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure.
Babar’s consistency was especially evident as he started the year with three consecutive fifties against New Zealand. His composure and sublime stroke play made him one of the most reliable figures in Pakistan’s lineup, further solidifying his status as one of the finest T20 players in the world.
The cap ceremony took place just before Pakistan’s opening match against New Zealand in the Champions Trophy, marking a significant moment for the batter as he prepares for the upcoming ODI tournament.
Despite Babar’s remarkable T20I form, Pakistan’s recent performances in the ODI tri-nation series were underwhelming. The Men in Green faced defeats to New Zealand in both the opening match and the final, with Babar himself struggling to find his rhythm, scoring just 62 runs in three matches. Nevertheless, with the Champions Trophy now underway, Pakistan and Babar Azam will be hoping for a return to form as they aim to defend their title.
Pakistan’s squad for the Champions Trophy includes Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.