Babar Azam: Net Worth, Records, and Kohli Comparison

Few batsmen have united a cricket-obsessed nation the way Babar Azam has. Whether you’re checking his latest ODI ranking, wondering about his marriage plans, or trying to figure out if he can eventually surpass Virat Kohli’s mountain of centuries, the curiosity around him is real. This guide pulls together the verified records, the unanswered questions, and the numbers that actually matter—so you can see where he stands today.

Full name: Mohammad Babar Azam · Born: October 15, 1994 (age 30) · Batting style: Right-handed · ODI runs: 5,729 (as of March 2025) · Test centuries: 9 · ICC ODI ranking: 1 (as of March 2025)

The snapshot table above gives you the essential identifiers and performance metrics for Babar Azam as of early 2025.

Is Babar Azam a millionaire?

Yes, by most estimates. Babar Azam’s net worth is widely reported to be between $5 million and $10 million, making him one of Pakistan’s wealthiest active cricketers. The bulk comes from his central contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), his Pakistan Super League (PSL) salary, and endorsement deals with brands such as Pepsi and TCL (SportsDunia cricket profile).

Babar Azam’s earnings from cricket contracts

• PCB central contract: Category A (approx. PKR 1.1 million per month) – source: PCB official
• PSL salary (Peshawar Zalmi): around $170,000 per season
• Match fees: Test $5,000, ODI $3,000, T20I $2,000 per match

Endorsements and brand deals

Babar has endorsement deals with Pepsi, TCL, and Gray-Nicolls. While exact figures are not publicly disclosed, brand tie-ups in Pakistan typically pay top cricketers between $100,000 and $500,000 annually.

Estimated net worth figures

Multiple sports finance sites estimate his net worth at $7 million as of 2025. The exact figure is not independently audited, so the range ($5–10 million) remains the most honest summary.

What this means: For a Pakistani cricketer, Babar’s earning power is at the top tier, but he hasn’t yet crossed into the global superstar pay bracket that comes with a billion-fan market.

Is Babar Azam the best batsman in the world?

Rankings offer a clear answer. As of March 2025, Babar Azam is ranked No. 1 in ICC ODI batting rankings (The Express Tribune report). He has held that spot for most of the past four years. But “best in the world” is a broader claim that depends on format and competition.

ICC batting rankings across formats

• ODI: No. 1 (786 rating points, February 2025)
• Test: No. 4 (March 2025) – source: ICC
• T20I: No. 3 (March 2025)

Comparison with contemporaries (Kohli, Williamson, Root)

When comparing career peaks, Virat Kohli’s ODI rating of 909 (2018) remains the highest among active players. Babar’s career-best is 898 (Reliance ICC Rankings historical database). However, at the same age (26–30), Babar’s ODI average of 59.5 is higher than Kohli’s at that stage (55.8).

Strengths and weaknesses of Babar’s technique

• Strength: Clean cover drive, ability to pace innings, minimal footwork flaw
• Weakness: Test average dips to 40 in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, Australia)

Why is Babar Azam not married?

Babar has repeatedly stated that he is “focused on cricket” and that marriage is a big responsibility he isn’t ready for (SportsDunia profile). In a 2022 interview with Cricket Pakistan, he said: “I am focused on my career; marriage is a big responsibility.”

Babar’s own statements on marriage

• “I will marry when the time is right.” – Cricket Pakistan, 2022
• “No pressure from family yet.” – various interviews

Cultural and religious factors

In Pakistan, family pressure to marry typically increases after age 30. Babar turned 30 in October 2024. Islam encourages marriage, but timing is considered a personal decision.

Media speculation vs. private life respect

Rumors about a secret marriage or engagement have circulated, but no credible source has confirmed them. Babar’s social media shows no partner, and he has never publicly acknowledged a relationship.

Is Babar Azam religious?

Yes, Babar is a practicing Muslim. He frequently thanks Allah in victory speeches and has been seen performing Sajdah (prostration) after scoring centuries on the field (SportsDunia profile).

Public displays of faith

• Performs Sajdah after milestones
• Posts Islamic phrases on social media during Ramadan
• Credits Allah in post-match interviews

Statements about Islam in interviews

In a 2023 interview with ICC, he said: “My faith keeps me grounded. I pray five times a day and try to follow the teachings of Islam.”

How religion influences his life

Babar has said that his religious practice helps him handle pressure. It’s a common theme among many Pakistani cricketers, but Babar’s public acknowledgment is more consistent than most.

Can Babar break the Kohli record?

This is the question that follows every Babar century. Virat Kohli has 80 international hundreds; Babar has 31 as of March 2025 (Cricbuzz profile). The gap is 49 centuries. Babar is 10 years younger than Kohli, so the math is possible but demanding.

Which records are at stake (ODI centuries, total runs)

• Kohli: 50 ODI centuries (world record)
• Babar: 19 ODI centuries
• Gap: 31 centuries

Age and career trajectory comparison

At age 30, Kohli had 43 ODI centuries. Babar at 30 has 19. That’s a gap of 24. To catch up, Babar would need to average 5–6 ODI centuries per year for the next 5–6 years—a pace only Kohli has maintained historically.

Current gap between the two players

The table below shows the head-to-head stats between Babar and Kohli at the same age.

The comparison reveals that Babar’s higher average at the same age suggests he could produce more centuries if he maintains form and plays enough matches. The catch: Pakistan plays fewer ODIs per year than India, limiting opportunities.

Timeline of Babar Azam’s career

• 2010 – First-class debut for Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited
• 2015 – International debut (T20I vs Zimbabwe, ODI vs Zimbabwe)
• 2016 – First Test century against West Indies
• 2019 – Appointed T20I captain; named ICC ODI Cricketer of the Year
• 2021 – Topped ICC ODI batting rankings; averaged 68.42 in ODIs
• 2023 – Resigned captaincy after ODI World Cup
• 2025 – Continues as top-ranked ODI batter; on track to break several records

Where the facts are solid, and where they aren’t

What others say about Babar Azam

“He is the cleanest hitter of the ball I have seen.”

Mickey Arthur, former Pakistan coach

“Babar’s ODI average at the same stage is superior, but Kohli’s sheer volume sets him apart.”

ESPNcricinfo analyst

“I am focused on my career; marriage is a big responsibility.”

Babar Azam, interview with Cricket Pakistan, 2022

Summary

Babar Azam is Pakistan’s most accomplished modern batter, with elite ODI numbers and a clean personal image. His net worth, while healthy, hasn’t reached the stratospheric levels of Indian stars due to market size. The comparisons with Kohli are inevitable but premature: Babar’s averages are competitive, but his century count still trails by a wide margin. For Pakistani cricket fans, the choice is clear: enjoy his prime years now, or spend them waiting for a record that may never come.

Frequently asked questions