Babar Azam’s Test revival sends him back into ICC top 10
The 31-year-old batter climbed five places to reach 10th in the latest ICC rankings. It is his first appearance among the world’s top 10 Test batters since September 2024.
Babar’s improved ranking follows a productive two-match series in the Caribbean. His performances also played an important role in Pakistan’s successful finish to the tour.
Babar stars in Pakistan’s Test comeback
Babar made his biggest contribution in the second Test at Queen’s Park Oval. Pakistan won the match by eight wickets, ending a wait of more than three years for an away Test victory.
The Pakistan captain scored 88 runs in the first innings. He then remained unbeaten on 24 as Pakistan chased a modest target to complete the victory.
The performance helped Pakistan level the two-match series 1-1. The team had lost the opening Test by 90 runs.
Babar also made an unbeaten 58 in the first Test, along with 23 runs in another innings. His overall contribution across the series helped him move back into the elite group of Test batters.
His return to the top 10 comes after almost two years outside the group. The latest ranking movement reflects signs of improved form since he returned to the Test captaincy.
Shafique makes biggest batting jump
Babar was not the only Pakistani batter to make significant progress in the latest rankings.
Abdullah Shafique climbed an impressive 25 places to reach 32nd in the Test batting rankings. The Pakistan No. 3 produced one of the strongest individual performances of the series.
Shafique returned to Pakistan’s Test side for the first time since October 2025. He responded with an unbeaten 160 in the second Test at Queen’s Park Oval.
His innings helped Pakistan establish a 43-run lead in the first innings. The knock also played an important role in putting Pakistan in control of the match.
The sharp rise in the rankings gives Shafique a major boost after his return to international Test cricket.
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Sajid Khan also climbs in rankings
Pakistan’s bowlers also benefited from the team’s improved performance in the Caribbean.
Off-spinner Sajid Khan moved up five places to 30th in the ICC Test bowling rankings. His performances during the series helped him make significant progress.
Sajid also climbed five places in the Test all-rounders’ rankings. He is now ranked 32nd in that category.
The movements provide Pakistan with several positive signs ahead of its upcoming Test assignments. Improved rankings for both batters and bowlers could strengthen competition within the squad.
Who leads the world rankings?
Australia’s Travis Head continues to hold the top position in the ICC Test batting rankings.
India’s Jasprit Bumrah remains the world’s No. 1 Test bowler. His continued position at the top reflects his strong performances in the longest format.
India all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja also retains the No. 1 position in the Test all-rounders’ rankings.
For Pakistan, however, Babar’s return to the top 10 is the biggest development in the latest update.
