Ramiz Raja: “Everywhere I go for commentary, whenever Virat Kohli’s name comes up, Babar’s name is mentioned alongside. I’m not saying Babar is bigger than Virat, but he is a top-quality player who has earned global respect”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja believes Babar Azam deserves immense respect as his name is always mentioned alongside India superstar Virat Kohli.
Ramiz clarified that he is not claiming Azam “is bigger than Virat,” but simply wants the 31-year-old to receive the recognition his talent warrants.
The two batsmen have long been compared due to their status as the premier run-makers for their respective sides, with both capable of dominating opposition bowling attacks.
“Everywhere I go for commentary, whenever Virat Kohli’s name comes up, Babar’s name is mentioned alongside. I’m not saying Babar is bigger than Virat, but he is a top-quality player who has earned global respect,” Ramiz was quoted as saying on Facebook.
Azam recently played for Pakistan in their three-match T20I series against Australia and accumulated 76 runs, which included a top score of 50 not out, at an average of 38 and a strike-rate of 124.59.
Right now, he is taking part in the 2026 T20 World Cup, where he has made 66 runs in five matches at an average of 22 and a strike-rate of 115.78.
Pakistan booked their spot in the Super Eights after defeating the Netherlands, United States of America and Namibia in the group stage. Their only loss so far has come against India.
Unfortunately for the men in green, their first Super Eights game against New Zealand was washed out.
Pakistan will return to action on February 24 when they take on England in Pallekele.
Pakistan Squad for 2026 T20 World Cup: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Khawaja Nafay (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper), Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Usman Tariq