Kohli ICC trophies
1 (2011 World Cup)
Plus Champions Trophy 2013 and T20 WC 2024.
Cricket • Nicknames
Is Babar Azam the King of Cricket?
Virat Kohli has been called 'King Kohli' for years. Now Babar Azam fans use 'King' for their hero. Who actually owns the crown?
Babar Azam is called 'King' by his fans, but 'King of Cricket' is a title historically associated with Virat Kohli. Babar has a claim in white-ball cricket, but Kohli's overall career remains superior.
Quick Answer
No, Babar Azam is not the undisputed King of Cricket. Virat Kohli holds that title based on career longevity, ICC trophies, and global recognition. Babar is a 'King' to Pakistan fans but not universally.
Babar ICC trophies
0
Runner up in 2022 T20 World Cup.
Verdict
No
Is Babar Azam the King of Cricket?
Virat Kohli remains the 'King of Cricket' by global consensus. Babar Azam is a king to Pakistan fans but has not surpassed Kohli's legacy.
What supports this verdict
- The available evidence does not prove the claim.
- The stronger arguments point away from a confident yes.
What weakens this verdict
- Some isolated evidence may still support the opposite side.
- Fan perception and short-term form can complicate the final reading.
Analyst Comparison
King vs King: Kohli vs Babar
Here is how the two 'Kings' compare across key metrics:
| Metric | Virat Kohli | Babar Azam |
|---|---|---|
| ODI centuries | 50 | 19 |
| Test centuries | 29 | 9 |
| ICC trophies | 3 | 0 |
| Years at No. 1 ODI rank | 4+ | 2+ |
| Global brand value | Top 3 athletes | Regional star |
| Called 'King' since | 2014 | 2020 |
Why Virat Kohli is the King of Cricket
Virat Kohli earned the 'King' title through a decade of dominance. He has 80+ international centuries, 3 ICC trophies, and was the world's best across all formats simultaneously.
His aggressive style, chase mastery, and global fan base made 'King Kohli' stick worldwide, not just in India.
Even today, when fans say 'King of Cricket' without context, most think of Kohli first.
Why some fans call Babar Azam King
Pakistan fans started calling Babar 'King' around 2020 when he became No. 1 in ODIs and took over captaincy. For them, he is the best thing Pakistan has produced since Inzamam or Yousuf.
His elegance, consistency, and calm demeanor feel 'royal' to fans who watch every match.
But this is a fan nickname, not a universal title. Outside Pakistan, most cricket fans still associate 'King' with Kohli.
Evidence Scorecard
What evidence determines the 'King' title?
Here is what the data and fan sentiment show:
For
0
points
Against
0
points
Google search 'King of Cricket' returns Virat Kohli as top result
Fan Usage
Kohli has 3 ICC trophies; Babar has 0
Tournament Record
Babar has been No. 1 in ICC ODI rankings for over 2 years
Statistics
•NEUTRAL
Babar's 'King' nickname is mostly used by Pakistan fans
Fan Usage
Kohli has 80+ international centuries; Babar has 31
Career Record
Two Kings
Can there be two Kings?
Cricket is global. India has King Kohli. Pakistan has King Babar. Both nicknames coexist. But when asking 'the King of Cricket' without a country tag, Kohli still wears the crown.
Where did the 'King' nickname come from?
The 'King' nickname for cricketers started with Kohli. Indian fans coined 'King Kohli' during his peak years (2014-2018) when he dominated every format.
Babar's 'King' nickname emerged on social media around 2020. It was likely inspired by Kohli's title, applied to Pakistan's own batting hero.
Babar himself has never claimed the title. He avoids the comparison and focuses on his game.
Verdict
The bottom line
Babar Azam is not the global King of Cricket. That title belongs to Virat Kohli based on legacy, trophies, and universal recognition. Babar is a 'King' to Pakistan fans, but the crown is Kohli's until someone surpasses his career achievements.
FAQs
Who is called the King of Cricket?
Virat Kohli is universally called the King of Cricket. Babar Azam is called King by Pakistan fans but not globally.
Why is Virat Kohli called King?
Because of his dominance across all formats, 80+ international centuries, 3 ICC trophies, and chase mastery.
Does Babar Azam call himself King?
No. The nickname came from fans. Babar has never claimed the title publicly.
Can Babar Azam become the King of Cricket?
If he wins ICC trophies, scores 50+ centuries, and dominates for another 5-7 years, he could challenge Kohli's legacy.
More FAQs
Who is called the King of Cricket?
Virat Kohli is universally called the King of Cricket.
Related Questions