Babar Azam on the brink of breaking ODI records
Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam stands on the verge of reaching two major milestones in One-Day International cricket as his team begins its three-match series against South Africa at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad.
If Babar manages a century within his next two innings, he will become the second-fastest batter in ODI history to reach 20 hundreds. At present, he trails only Hashim Amla, who reached the milestone in 108 innings, while Virat Kohli did it in 133. With 19 centuries in 131 innings, Babar could leapfrog Kohli and move into second place.
The ODI series marks an important chapter in Pakistan’s cricketing calendar, not just for its competitive significance but also for the venue itself.
Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium hosts ODI after 17 years
International cricket returns to Faisalabad’s historic Iqbal Stadium for the first time since April 2008, when Pakistan last played an ODI there against Bangladesh. The venue, however, has long suffered from neglect and limited maintenance despite its historical importance.
According to a report by Dawn.com, documents obtained by a citizen under the Punjab Transparency and Right to Information Act stated that the Iqbal Stadium Management Committee (ISMC) — which oversees the venue independently of the PCB and the Punjab Sports Board — earns over PKR 63 million (approx. US$ 223k) annually but spends just PKR 30.9 million (approx. US$ 109.4k).
The report also revealed that the complex includes over 100 commercial establishments, with revenue deposited directly into the ISMC’s account rather than the provincial treasury. During the Champions Cricket Cup 2024, the committee did not spend any amount on match arrangements, while the PCB generated PKR 15 million (approx. US$ 53.1k) from gate receipts and the Punjab government provided PKR 35 million (approx. US$ 123.9k) for security and logistics.
Local fans have urged the provincial government to transfer management of the stadium to the PCB to ensure upgrades similar to Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. For now, the city is relishing the long-awaited return of top-level cricket, with Pakistan and South Africa set to play ODIs on November 4, 6, and 8.
Babar Azam’s heartfelt message to fans
Before turning attention to the ODI series, Babar Azam led Pakistan to a 2-1 T20I series victory over South Africa in Lahore. His unbeaten 68 off 47 balls in the decisive third match earned him the Player of the Match award and reaffirmed his status as one of the game’s elite performers.
Following the win, Babar took to social media platform X to express his gratitude, writing: “Grateful to be back doing what I love. Thankful for those who believed when it was quiet,” Babar wrote.
His message resonated widely with fans, capturing the balance of humility and determination that defines his career. As Pakistan shift formats, Babar’s focus now turns to continuing his run-scoring form — and perhaps making history — in front of a home crowd eager to celebrate both his achievements and the revival of Faisalabad’s international stage.
Teams and series schedule
Pakistan squad: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha
South Africa squad: Matthew Breetzke (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile, and Lizaad Williams
Schedule:
Nov. 4: First ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
Nov. 6: Second ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
Nov. 8: Third ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
