The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly on the verge of reinstating Babar Azam as captain of the T20I team ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024. This potential U-turn comes after a period of experimentation with Shaheen Shah Afridi at the helm.
Shaheen’s Captaincy Tenure Under Scrutiny
News broke in mid-March that Shaheen Afridi’s short stint as T20I captain was under threat. Mohammad Rizwan was initially considered as a possible replacement, but recent developments suggest Babar Azam is the frontrunner to reclaim the captaincy.
This move comes after a string of disappointing results under Shaheen’s leadership. Pakistan lost all three Tests in the recent tour of Australia and suffered a heavy 1-4 defeat in the T20I series against New Zealand. These losses coincided with a change in PCB leadership, with Mohsin Naqvi taking over the Chairmanship from Zaka Ashraf. Naqvi himself hinted at a potential captaincy change during a recent press conference.
Babar’s Hesitation and Underlying Issues
However, Babar Azam’s return to the captaincy is not a straightforward affair. Sources close to the matter reveal that Babar is hesitant to accept the responsibility again. He is reportedly unhappy with the way his removal from captaincy was handled in 2023 and is seeking assurances from the board on certain matters. Only if his concerns are addressed will he agree to lead the team once more.
The potential reappointment of Babar also raises questions about the team dynamic. Notably, both Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir, who recently reversed their international retirements, were vocal critics of Babar’s captaincy and batting on national television in the past. How this dynamic will play out within the team remains to be seen.
Looking Ahead: A Crucial Decision for Pakistan Cricket
The PCB faces a crucial decision with the T20 World Cup approaching. Babar Azam’s experience and leadership qualities are undeniable, but his reservations and the potential team chemistry issues need careful consideration.
The coming weeks will be vital as the PCB attempts to convince Babar and finalize the captaincy for the World Cup. Pakistan’s performance at the tournament will undoubtedly hinge on their leadership and team unity.
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