Pakistan star batter Babar Azam has paid an emotional tribute to England all-rounder Ben Stokes after the latter announced his retirement from international cricket, bringing the curtain down on one of the game’s most celebrated careers.
Stokes called time on his international journey during England’s third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, ending a career that spanned more than a decade and featured numerous match-winning performances, including ICC T20 World Cup and ODI World Cup titles.
Following the announcement, Babar took to his Instagram story and shared a picture of himself alongside Stokes and praised the 35-year-old for his leadership and ability to deliver on cricket’s biggest occasions.
“A fearless competitor and an inspirational leader who delivered on the biggest stage, again and again. It was an honour to share the field with you. All the very best, Ben, for the next chapter,” Babar wrote.
For the unversed, Ben Stokes made his international debut for England in 2011 before earning his Test cap in 2013, and went on to establish himself as one of the finest all-rounders of his generation.
He played defining roles in England’s triumphs at the 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup and the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, while also transforming the national Test side during his tenure as captain.
The left-handed batter also leaves the game as the most prolific six-hitter in Test cricket history, smashing 138 sixes in 122 matches.
Stokes finishes his Test career with 7,273 runs and 252 wickets, becoming only the second cricketer, behind South African legend Jacques Kallis, in history to complete the rare double of 7,000 Test runs and 250 Test wickets.
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