Babar Azam makes history at Gaddafi Stadium with international achievement

Babar Azam achieved a remarkable milestone by playing his 100th home international match at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, when Pakistan took on Australia in first game of the three-match T20I series.

Speaking after the match, Babar described the occasion as an honour and a dream come true. He said representing Pakistan at home for such a landmark carried deep personal value, especially given the continuous support he has received throughout his career. Babar reflected on the role of fans in motivating him at every stage, noting that their love and encouragement is not limited to Lahore but extends to all cities and stadiums in Pakistan. He said this backing inspires him to stay focused and perform at the highest level consistently.

He also recalled some of his most cherished innings at home venues, emphasizing that Test matches in cities like Karachi and Lahore hold special meaning. For Babar, every ground carries its own memories and emotions, which strengthen his bond with domestic crowds. He shared a childhood memory of serving as a ball boy at Gaddafi Stadium during a Pakistan versus South Africa match, describing his return years later as a senior player reaching 100 home internationals as almost unreal.

Team head coach Mike Hesson praised Babar’s achievement, calling it a rare honour for any international cricketer. He highlighted Babar’s consistency, leadership, and commitment, noting that the milestone brought pride to the entire team and cricket supporters nationwide. Babar Azam’s home milestone reflects not only individual excellence but also the growing connection between players and fans, underlining the importance of international cricket returning and thriving in Pakistan.