Former Pakistan captain Babar Azam gave young batter Muhammad Hurraira his first Test cap before the start of Day 1 in the first Test match against the West Indies. Babar Azam told Hurraira to enjoy the moment and encouraged him to play freely.
Babar Azam’s Special Moment with Muhammad Hurraira
Muhammad Hurraira replaced Saim Ayub in Pakistan’s playing XI for the first Test against the West Indies in Multan. The 22-year-old batter is recognized for his impressive performances in domestic cricket. Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and decided to bat first at the Multan Cricket Stadium on Friday, January 17.
Babar Azam’s Encouragement for the Young Debutant
Babar Azam mentioned that it was an honor to hand the Test cap to Muhammad Hurraira. He encouraged Hurraira to make the most of the opportunity, just as he has done throughout his own cricket career.
“First of all, many congratulations. For me, it is an honor that I am giving a test cap. This test cap is very important for Pakistan and for you, and my wish is that just like you have played your cricket career, whether it’s domestic or international, whenever you have gotten an opportunity, you’ve availed it and tried to make Pakistan proud. Today is the time for you to avail this opportunity and make the best debut possible,” Babar said.
Hurraira first gained attention during the 2020 ICC Under-19 World Cup, where he played a key role for Pakistan. He impressed with a match-winning knock of 64 off 76 balls in the quarter-final against Afghanistan, helping Pakistan secure a six-wicket win and earning the Player of the Match award.
In 2023, Hurraira was included in Pakistan’s squad for a series against Sri Lanka but didn’t get a chance to play. In July 2024, he scored a double-century for Pakistan A in a first-class match. With over 3,400 runs at an average of 56.24 in first-class cricket, Hurraira has consistently displayed his talent and solid technique.
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After winning the toss, Shan Masood stressed the importance of making Pakistan a tough team to beat at home. He confirmed Muhammad Hurraira’s debut and assured that the entire team was backing the young player. Masood also expressed the team’s aim to replicate their strong performances from the recent England series.
“Going to have a bat first keeping conditions in mind. We have to look at our home conditions and think of ways we can become a difficult side to beat at home. We would like to have a strong hold in certain set of conditions. Always exciting to take the first ball for Pakistan. We’ve got the young Hurraira making his debut. We’re all backing him. Want to replicate performances from England,” Masood said.
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