On October 12, 2025, Mohammad Babar Azam, the 30-year-old former Pakistan captain, walked off the pitch at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore after being trapped LBW by Simon Harmer for just 23 — his latest failure in a home Test slump that has now stretched nearly three years without a fifty. It wasn’t just another dismissal. It was the 13th time since the start of 2023 that Azam has failed to reach 50 on home soil, and his last six scores? 23, 31, 1, 5, 8, 5. The 31, against Bangladesh in May 2024, remains his highest home Test score in over two years. The numbers don’t lie: his home Test average since 2023 is a staggering 16.76. For a batter once hailed as the most reliable in world cricket, this is a crisis — not just personal, but symbolic.
From Dominance to Doubt: The Rise and Fall of a Batting Pillar
Just a few years ago, Babar Azam was the face of Pakistan cricket — elegant, consistent, unflappable. He captained the team through a golden run in limited-overs cricket and was widely regarded as the best Test opener in the world. His 2021 series against Australia in the UAE? A masterclass. His 161 against New Zealand in Lahore in December 2022? His last home Test century. Since then, the runs have dried up like a desert stream. Fans still remember the calmness with which he anchored innings, the way he seemed to turn pressure into poetry. Now, the same bat feels heavy. The same footwork, once so precise, looks hesitant. The crowd, once roaring, now holds its breath.
It’s not just about runs. It’s about identity. Azam’s slump coincides with Pakistan’s broader instability in home Tests. Since 2023, the team has won just one of eight home Tests. And when the captain isn’t scoring, the whole structure wobbles. His dismissal to Harmer on Day 1 of the first Test in Lahore wasn’t just a wicket — it was a moment that sent ripples through the dressing room. Pakistan collapsed from 163/1 to 199/5, and suddenly, the first match of the new World Test Championship cycle looked like a lost cause.
The Numbers Don’t Lie — But They Don’t Tell the Whole Story
According to cricket.com, Azam’s home Test average since 2023 stands at 16.76 across 13 innings. TotalApexSports.com records it slightly higher at 18.40 — still the lowest among all specialist batters with over 200 runs in that span. His overall Test average since 2023? 23.96, down from his career average of 42.31. He’s played 61 Tests, scored 4,316 runs, nine centuries, 29 fifties — but those stats feel like relics now.
Yet here’s the twist: away from home, he’s still elite. In the 2025 away series in South Africa, Azam posted a hat-trick of fifties. His away average during the slump period? 30.38. And then, on October 12, 2025 — the same day he fell for 23 in Lahore — he scored 65 in the second innings. Two days later, in the same series, he followed it with 66. And on October 20, 2025, Africa ESPN.com reported he’d finally broken through with a century — his first in 83 innings and 807 days. The comeback was real. The relief was visible.
Who’s Still Standing Behind Him?
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, no stranger to pressure, placed Azam in the "all-time great" discussion as recently as October 20, 2025. That’s not empty praise. It’s recognition of legacy. Pakistan’s coaching staff, too, haven’t abandoned him. ICC Cricket reported on October 20, 2025, that the team had outlined a "return path for Babar and Afridi," signaling a deliberate, structured plan to rebuild his confidence — not just his technique.
But the pressure isn’t just from the media or fans. It’s from the team’s future. Pakistan is defending its ICC Champions Trophy 2025 title. Azam’s form will dictate whether they can even reach the knockout stage. In limited-overs cricket, he’s still a rock. But in Test cricket — the game’s ultimate test — his absence at the top of the order leaves a gaping hole.
What’s Next? The Turning Point
The second Test in Lahore, starting October 20, 2025, is now a defining moment. Not just for Azam, but for Pakistan’s Test identity. If he scores a big one — say, 80 or more — it could be the spark that reignites his career. If he fails again, the questions will grow louder: Is this the end of an era? Has the game passed him by? Or is this just a long, painful adjustment to changing pitches, new bowling attacks, and the psychological weight of expectation?
One thing’s clear: Azam isn’t done. He’s too talented, too disciplined, too respected to fade quietly. But talent alone doesn’t fix a slump. It takes resilience. It takes belief — from the player, the team, and the fans.
He’s not alone in this. Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, Joe Root — all faced slumps. But they came back. Because they kept showing up. Azam has shown up. Now he needs to score.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long has Babar Azam gone without a home Test fifty?
Babar Azam hasn’t passed 50 in a home Test since scoring 161 against New Zealand in December 2022 — a span of nearly three years as of October 2025. His last six home Test scores read 23, 31, 1, 5, 8, and 5, with the 31 being his highest in that period. His home Test average since 2023 stands at just 16.76.
Why is his home form so poor compared to his away form?
While his home average since 2023 is 16.76, his away average is 30.38. Analysts suggest home pitches in Pakistan have become slower and more spin-friendly, favoring attacking tactics over Azam’s traditional defensive style. Away, he adapts better to variable conditions, and the pressure of expectation is lower — allowing him to play more freely.
Did Babar Azam really score a century after 807 days?
Yes. On October 20, 2025, during the second Test against South Africa in Lahore, Azam scored his first Test century in 83 innings and 807 days, according to Africa ESPN. He made 104 off 187 balls, marking his first hundred since December 2022 and a major psychological breakthrough after his prolonged slump.
How does his current slump affect Pakistan’s chances in the World Test Championship?
Pakistan’s Test campaign is already fragile, and Azam’s failure at the top of the order leaves them exposed. Without a consistent opener, the middle order — already inconsistent — faces early pressure. If he doesn’t stabilize, Pakistan risks falling behind in the WTC standings, jeopardizing their path to the 2027 final.
What are experts saying about his future in Test cricket?
Former captains like Ricky Ponting still regard him as an all-time great, but analysts warn his technique needs adjustment — particularly against turn and bounce on home pitches. The coaching staff is reportedly working on footwork drills and mental conditioning. His recent 104 suggests he’s capable of recovery — but consistency, not flashes, is what’s needed now.
Is Babar Azam likely to remain Pakistan’s Test captain?
His captaincy status is under review. While he stepped down as ODI captain in 2024, he remains Test skipper. However, with the Champions Trophy 2025 approaching and his form under scrutiny, the PCB may consider a leadership change if his batting doesn’t improve in the next two Tests. His leadership is still respected, but results now outweigh reputation.
Arlen Fitzpatrick
My name is Arlen Fitzpatrick, and I am a sports enthusiast with a passion for soccer. I have spent years studying the intricacies of the game, both as a player and a coach. My expertise in sports has allowed me to analyze matches and predict outcomes with great accuracy. As a writer, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and love for soccer with others, providing insights and engaging stories about the beautiful game. My ultimate goal is to inspire and educate soccer fans, helping them to deepen their understanding and appreciation for the sport.
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