Pakistani 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 an end to one of the game’s most celebrated careers.
Stokes announced his decision during England’s third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge on Tuesday, closing out a career that spanned more than a decade and included some of the sport’s most memorable match-winning performances.
Following the announcement, Babar took to his Instagram story and shared a picture of himself alongside Stokes, praising the 35-year-old for his leadership and his 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.
Stokes made his England debut in 2011 and earned his Test cap in 2013, going on to establish himself as one of the finest all-rounders of his generation.
He played a defining role in England’s 2019 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup triumph and their 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup win, while also transforming the Test side during his four-year tenure as captain.
The left-handed batter retires as the leading six-hitter in Test cricket history, striking 138 sixes across 122 matches.
Stokes finishes his Test career with 7,273 runs and 252 wickets, becoming only the second cricketer in history, after South African great Jacques Kallis, to complete the rare double of 7,000 Test runs and 250 Test wickets.
