Karachi: Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam has paid heartfelt tributes to English all-rounder Ben Stokes, who retired from international cricket.
Stokes announced his retirement during England’s third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable career full of memorable match-winning performances and two ICC World Cup titles.
Following the announcement, tributes poured in from across the cricketing world, with Babur joining current and former players in recognizing Stokes’ immense contribution to the game.
The former Pakistan captain hailed the England all-rounder’s brilliant career and inspirational leadership, sharing a photo of the pair on his Instagram story, describing Stokes as one of the most influential cricketers in the game and wishing him every success in the next chapter of his journey.
“A fearless competitor and an inspirational leader, delivered time and time again on the biggest stage. An honor to share the stage with you. All the very best, Ben, for the next chapter,” Azam wrote.
Notably, Stokes enjoyed an illustrious international career after making his England debut in 2011 before earning his Test cap in 2013.
Widely regarded as one of the best all-rounders of his generation, he was instrumental in England’s victories in the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, while leading the Test team through a period of transition.
The 35-year-old has established himself as one of the most destructive batsmen in Test cricket. Having hit 138 sixes in 122 Tests, he retires as the leading six-scorer in the history of the format.
England coach and former New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum is second on the all-time list with 107 sixes.
Stokes ended his Test career with 7,273 runs and 252 wickets, becoming only the second player in the history of the format to complete the prestigious double of 7,000 runs and 250 wickets.
South Africa’s Jacques Kallis is the only player to have scored 13,289 runs and taken 292 wickets in his illustrious Test career.
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