Babar Azam’s journey in Test cricket has been nothing short of a rollercoaster. Once hailed as Pakistan’s golden boy across all formats, his position in the ICC Test rankings has seen dramatic shifts over the past few years. From being ranked among the top 5 batters to slipping out of the top 10, fans and analysts alike have been left wondering: what happened? And more importantly—what’s next?
Honestly, it’s not just about Babar. The entire Pakistan Test side has undergone a transformation, with younger players stepping up and veterans redefining their roles. Mohammad Rizwan’s consistency behind the stumps and with the bat, combined with Shaheen Afridi’s fiery pace, has reshaped the team’s dynamics. These changes are directly reflected in the latest ICC Test rankings, where Rizwan and Shaheen have made notable climbs, while Babar’s position has taken a hit.
Let’s break it down—what’s really going on with Babar Azam ICC Test rankings, why the drop occurred, and whether he can reclaim his spot among the elite. We’ll also look at how Rizwan and Shaheen are rising, and whether Babar still holds the crown as the world’s best ODI batter.
Key Takeaways
| Player | Current ICC Test Ranking (Batting) | Change (Last 12 Months) |
| Babar Azam | 12th | ↓ 7 spots |
| Mohammad Rizwan | 8th | ↑ 5 spots |
| Shaheen Afridi | 3rd (Bowling) | ↑ 2 spots |
Keep in mind, these rankings are updated monthly by the ICC based on player performance in the most recent Test matches. A single series can shift positions dramatically—especially in a format as unpredictable as Test cricket.
The Fall: Why Babar Azam ICC Test Rankings Dropped
Babar Azam’s decline in the ICC Test rankings isn’t due to a lack of talent. Far from it. It’s a mix of form, team strategy, and the evolving demands of red-ball cricket.
Over the past 18 months, Babar has struggled to convert starts into big scores in Test matches. In the 2023–2024 season, he averaged just 32.4 in Tests, with only two half-centuries in 10 innings. Compare that to his ODI average of 58.7 during the same period, and the gap becomes glaring.
One major factor is the pitch conditions in Pakistan. With most home Tests now played in Rawalpindi and Karachi—pitches known for being flat and batting-friendly—teams have adapted by playing more aggressive cricket. Babar, traditionally a patient accumulator, has found it hard to adjust. He’s been dismissed playing expansive shots early in his innings, often falling to short balls or loose drives outside off.
Another issue? The lack of support from the middle order. When Babar gets out cheaply, Pakistan often collapses. In the 2024 series against England, Pakistan lost 6 wickets for under 100 runs in three separate innings after Babar fell before 30. That puts immense pressure on the rest of the batting line-up—and reflects poorly on the team’s overall performance, which directly affects individual rankings.
Then there’s the mental aspect. Babar has openly spoken about the pressure of captaincy. Though he stepped down in late 2023, the residual stress seems to have lingered. He’s been seen more reserved on the field, less assertive in shot selection. Some analysts argue he’s overthinking his game, trying too hard to prove himself in Tests after dominating white-ball cricket.
What’s more, the ICC Test rankings weigh recent performances heavily. A player’s best 8 out of the last 10 Tests count toward their rating. Babar’s last 10 Tests include three ducks and only one century—a stark contrast to his peak years when he regularly posted 100+ scores.
The Climb: How Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi Rose in ICC Test Rankings
While Babar’s Babar Azam ICC Test rankings have slipped, two of his teammates have been on the rise. Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi have not only improved their individual stats but have become the backbone of Pakistan’s Test resurgence.
Mohammad Rizwan: The Silent Assassin
Rizwan’s climb to 8th in the ICC Test batting rankings is a story of resilience. Once considered a backup keeper, he’s now Pakistan’s first-choice wicketkeeper-batter and a reliable No. 6.
His average in Tests since 2023 stands at 47.6, with four centuries and six fifties in 18 innings. What makes Rizwan special is his ability to perform under pressure. In the 2024 series against New Zealand, he scored 115 and 89 in the same match, helping Pakistan secure a rare away win.
Rizwan’s technique has improved drastically. He’s no longer just a slogger; he plays late, uses the depth of the crease, and rotates the strike effectively. His strike rate of 58 in Tests is healthy without being reckless—a balance many modern batters struggle to achieve.
He’s also become a leader in the dressing room. With Babar stepping down, Rizwan has taken on more responsibility, often guiding younger players during tough phases. His calm demeanor under pressure has earned respect from teammates and opponents alike.
Shaheen Afridi: The Pace Revolution
On the bowling front, Shaheen Afridi’s rise in the ICC Test rankings is nothing short of spectacular. Currently ranked 3rd among Test bowlers, he’s the highest-placed Pakistani since Wasim Akram in the 1990s.
Shaheen’s ability to swing the ball both ways at 140+ km/h makes him a nightmare for top-order batters. In the 2024 series against Australia, he took 15 wickets at an average of 21.3, including a match-winning 6/42 in Perth.
What’s impressive is his fitness. After a serious knee injury in 2022, many doubted he’d return to peak form. But Shaheen worked tirelessly with the team physio and has come back stronger. His workload management has improved, and he’s now bowling longer spells without losing pace.
He’s also developed a lethal yorker and a well-disguised slower ball, making him effective even on flat tracks. In the recent Test against South Africa in Centurion, he dismissed Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen in the same over using a mix of pace and variation.
Together, Rizwan and Shaheen have formed a core that’s lifting Pakistan’s Test team. Their performances have not only boosted their individual Babar Azam ICC Test rankings climb but have also restored faith in Pakistan’s red-ball future.
Is Babar Azam Still the No. 1 ODI Batsman?
While his Test form has dipped, Babar’s white-ball credentials remain unmatched. As of June 2026, he holds the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings with a rating of 886 points—well ahead of Virat Kohli (842) and Imam-ul-Haq (819).
Babar’s ODI record speaks for itself. He’s the fastest player to reach 5,000 runs in ODIs (in just 109 innings), and his career average of 58.7 is among the best in history. He’s scored 20 centuries in the format, with a highest score of 158 against England in 2023.
His consistency is what sets him apart. In the last two years, he’s scored 1,842 runs in 32 ODIs at an average of 63.5. He’s been Pakistan’s top run-scorer in every major ODI series, including the 2023 World Cup and the 2025 Champions Trophy.
But here’s the catch: the ICC rankings are dynamic. A poor series can drop a player quickly. Babar will need to maintain this level, especially with the 2027 World Cup on the horizon. Youngsters like Shubman Gill and Babar’s own teammate Saim Ayub are closing the gap.
Still, if we’re talking about pure batting class in ODIs, Babar remains the benchmark. His cover drives, wristwork, and ability to anchor an innings are second to none. Even critics admit—when he’s in flow, he’s poetry in motion.
What’s Next for Babar Azam in Test Cricket?
The big question isn’t whether Babar can return to form—it’s whether he wants to. With the 2025–2027 ICC World Test Championship cycle in full swing, Pakistan needs its best batter firing on all cylinders.
Babar has already shown signs of a comeback. In the recent Test against Sri Lanka in Galle, he scored 78 and 64, looking more composed at the crease. He’s been working with former Pakistan coach Misbah-ul-Haq on his footwork and shot selection against spin—a known weakness in the subcontinent.
The PCB has also made changes to the coaching staff. The appointment of a new batting coach, focused on red-ball techniques, could help Babar adapt. There’s talk of him opening the innings in Tests, a role he briefly tried in 2022. While it didn’t work then, the current team balance might make it viable now.
Another factor is the schedule. Pakistan is set to play a packed Test calendar in 2026, including series against India, Australia, and South Africa. These high-pressure matches will be crucial for Babar’s Babar Azam ICC Test rankings climb. A strong performance against top-tier attacks could propel him back into the top 10.
But let’s be real—comeback stories aren’t built on hope alone. Babar needs runs. He needs to dominate bowlers, not just survive them. The fans are patient, but patience has its limits.
The Bigger Picture: Pakistan’s Test Revival
Babar’s struggles shouldn’t overshadow the progress Pakistan has made in Test cricket. Under new captain Shan Masood, the team has shown grit and determination. They’ve won series against England and New Zealand, and drawn tough away Tests in Australia and South Africa.
The emergence of young talent like Saim Ayub, Aamer Jamal, and Naseem Shah has added depth. Ayub, in particular, has impressed with his aggressive batting at the top of the order. His 137 against Australia in Sydney was a statement of intent.</p
The PCB’s investment in domestic cricket is also paying off. The Quaid-e-Azam Trophy has become more competitive, producing players ready for the international stage. The introduction of a longer first-class season has helped batters and bowlers alike develop their skills.
And let’s not forget the fans. Despite the ups and downs, Pakistani cricket lovers remain passionate. Stadiums are filling up, social media is buzzing, and the team knows they have support—even during tough times.
How the ICC Rankings Work
Before we wrap up, it’s worth understanding how the ICC Test rankings are calculated. It’s not just about averages or centuries. The system uses a complex algorithm that considers:
- Match result (win, loss, draw)
- Opposition strength
- Venue and conditions
- Player’s role in the team
- Consistency over time
Each player starts with a base rating and gains or loses points based on performance. A big score against a top-ranked team on a tough pitch earns more points than the same score at home against a weaker side.
This is why Babar’s Babar Azam ICC Test rankings drop was so significant—his performances came against strong teams in challenging conditions, and he didn’t deliver when it mattered most.
On the flip side, Rizwan and Shaheen earned their climbs through consistent excellence in high-pressure situations. Their points reflect not just skill, but impact.
Final Thoughts
Babar Azam’s journey in Test cricket is far from over. Yes, his rankings have dropped. Yes, the pressure is mounting. But great players don’t fade away—they fight back.
We’ve seen it before. Virat Kohli went through a similar slump in Tests before roaring back with a century in the 2024 Border-Gavaskar series. Steve Smith took a break and returned stronger. Babar has the talent, the temperament, and the support to do the same.
Meanwhile, Rizwan and Shaheen are proving that Pakistan’s future is bright. Their rise in the ICC Test rankings isn’t just personal success—it’s a sign of a team on the rise.
And in ODIs? Babar remains the king. As long as he keeps scoring runs, the No. 1 spot is his to lose.
The best part? Cricket fans love a redemption arc. If Babar can turn things around in Tests, it’ll be one of the great comebacks in modern cricket history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Babar Azam drop in the ICC Test rankings?
A: Babar’s drop is due to inconsistent performances in recent Tests, including low scores against strong teams and a lack of big innings. His average in Tests over the last 18 months is below 35, which has affected his rating.
Q: Is Babar Azam still the No. 1 ODI batsman?
A: Yes, as of June 2026, Babar holds the No. 1 spot in the ICC ODI batting rankings with a rating of 886, ahead of Virat Kohli and Imam-ul-Haq.
Q: How did Mohammad Rizwan climb in the ICC Test rankings?
A: Rizwan has been consistent with the bat, averaging over 47 in Tests since 2023. His ability to score under pressure and contribute as a wicketkeeper has boosted his ranking to 8th.
Q: What is Shaheen Afridi’s current ICC Test ranking?
A: Shaheen Afridi is ranked 3rd in the ICC Test bowling rankings, making him the highest-ranked Pakistani bowler in over two decades.
Q: Can Babar Azam return to the top 10 in Test rankings?
A: Absolutely. With the right mindset, technical adjustments, and strong performances in upcoming series, Babar can climb back. His talent and experience give him a clear advantage.
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