ICC Rankings: Babar Azam Retains Second Spot in ODI Rankings as Pakistan Misses Out on Top All-Rounders List
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has released its latest player rankings, offering insights into performances across formats, with a particular spotlight on Pakistan’s standing in ODI cricket. While star batter Babar Azam continues to hold the second position among ODI batters, the latest update also highlights Pakistan’s absence from the top 10 ODI all-rounders list, raising concerns about the team’s balance.
India’s Shubman Gill leads the ODI batting chart, continuing his dominant run, with Babar Azam firmly behind him at number two. Indian captain Rohit Sharma holds the third position. Among other notable movements in the ODI rankings, Sri Lanka’s Charith Asalanka climbed two spots to take sixth place, and Kusal Mendis jumped 10 places to secure the tenth position after a strong series performance against Bangladesh.
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In the ODI bowlers’ category, Sri Lanka’s Maheesh Theekshana maintained his grip on the top spot, while teammate Wanindu Hasaranga surged 11 positions to reach eighth, thanks to his impressive nine wickets against Bangladesh. India’s Ravindra Jadeja slipped to ninth, and Pakistan’s frontline pacer Shaheen Afridi dropped one spot to 12th, reflecting a minor dip in recent form.
The most significant gap in the rankings from a Pakistani perspective remains the absence of any player in the top 10 ODI all-rounders. Afghanistan’s Azmatullah Omarzai retained the top position, underlining the growing depth in Afghanistan’s squad. This shortfall for Pakistan reinforces the pressing need to develop quality all-rounders who can support the team in all departments of the game. With crucial ODI assignments ahead, this gap poses both a challenge and an opportunity for emerging players.
The rankings update also brought major developments in the Test format. England’s Harry Brook reclaimed the number one spot among Test batters after a commanding 158 against India at Edgbaston, overtaking teammate Joe Root. Root is now second, with New Zealand’s Kane Williamson in third place. India’s Yashasvi Jaiswal is ranked fourth and Steve Smith of Australia rounds out the top five.
India’s Shubman Gill, fresh off a remarkable Test series against England, rose 15 places to reach a career-best sixth spot, scoring 269 and 161 in a single match that marked his first Test victory as captain. England’s Jamie Smith also achieved a new career high, moving up 16 places to tenth after impressive knocks of 184* and 88.
In the all-rounders’ rankings for Tests, India’s Ravindra Jadeja remained on top, while South African Wiaan Mulder made a huge leap—moving 12 spots to third—after his record-breaking unbeaten 367* against Zimbabwe. Though he declared before surpassing Brian Lara’s all-time high score, his innings had a significant impact on the rankings.
Among bowlers in Test cricket, India’s Jasprit Bumrah retained his number-one ranking, despite sitting out the recent match due to workload management. Mohammed Siraj jumped six places to 22nd, while West Indies pacers Shamar Joseph and Alzarri Joseph each gained six spots, rising to 29th and 31st respectively.
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