In a recent development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly contemplating re-appointing Babar Azam as captain, as indicated by multiple reports. However, sources suggest that the batting maestro is hesitant to reassume the responsibilities following the mishandling of his removal as the skipper of Pakistan during his previous tenure.
These sources clarify that Babar is seeking reassurances regarding specific matters before agreeing to take back the captaincy and is currently engaged in negotiations with the PCB. PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi previously hinted at a possible change in captaincy before the T20I World Cup.
Shaheen Afridi’s subpar performances as captain during the New Zealand series and Pakistan Super League (PSL) 9 have reportedly prompted the management to consider reinstating Babar Azam as the skipper of the national team before the T20 World Cup.
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Initially, Mohammad Rizwan appeared to be the leading candidate due to his impeccable captaincy and performances in the PSL, leading his franchise Multan Sultans to a fourth consecutive final. However, Babar Azam has seemingly emerged as a contender again.
Babar was stripped of the captaincy in white-ball cricket after the ICC ODI World Cup in November, and he eventually stepped down as skipper of Pakistan’s Test side, making way for Shan Masood.
Additionally, two players, Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir, have come out of retirement, and reportedly, both players are not on good terms with Babar Azam. It remains to be seen how the dynamic between Imad Wasim, Babar Azam, and Mohammad Amir unfolds, especially after the two players openly criticized Babar’s performance and captaincy on national television.
There have been reports of a fallout between Babar Azam and Imad Wasim, despite both players winning the PSL title together in 2020. Babar previously led Pakistan to the semifinals in the T20I World Cup of 2021 and guided the team to the final of the T20I World Cup in Australia two years ago.
The question arises whether Babar’s return as captain will benefit Pakistan or lead to further complications. Only time will provide the answer to this query.
