Babar Azam
Babar Azam reclaimed his position as captain of the men’s cricket team on Sunday, as announced by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), entrusting him with leadership roles in both ODIs and T20s.
The PCB revealed the decision via a post on the social media platform X, stating that Babar Azam has been appointed as the white-ball captain. This move follows a unanimous recommendation from the PCB’s selection committee and its chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
Babar Azam appointed as white-ball captain
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) March 31, 2024
Following unanimous recommendation from the PCB’s selection committee, Chairman PCB Mohsin Naqvi has appointed Babar Azam as white-ball (ODI and T20I) captain of the Pakistan men's cricket team. pic.twitter.com/ad4KLJYRMK
A video clip shared by the PCB showcased a meeting between Babar and Naqvi, highlighting the decision-making process.
Babar initially took on the role of T20 captain in 2019 before assuming leadership of the Test and ODI squads in 2020.
Babar’s return to captaincy marks the end of Shaheen Shah Afridi’s brief stint as T20 captain, a decision that was made without consulting him, causing potential instability within the team.
.@babarazam258 to lead Pakistan men's team in white-ball cricket ©️🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/PNZXIFH9yh
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) March 31, 2024
The PCB’s oversight of Shaheen’s involvement in the decision-making process raised concerns among stakeholders, as it may impact team unity.
During Babar’s previous tenure as captain, senior players such as Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir fell out of favor with selectors due to their public criticisms of his leadership. However, both players have been reinstated into the team by Mohsin after rescinding their international retirements.
Despite their return, there are concerns that Babar’s leadership may face challenges with the inclusion of Imad and Amir in the squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup.
Sources suggest that Babar has stipulated certain conditions to the PCB for his return as captain, including a two-year tenure and exemption from accountability for the team’s performance in the World Cup.
Furthermore, Babar is set to join the selection committee, which includes former Test players Asad Shafiq, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Yousuf, and Abdul Razzaq, along with data analyst Bilal Afzal.
In preparation for the upcoming T20 International series against New Zealand, the Pakistan team is undergoing a training camp at the Pakistan Military Academy. Babar’s return as captain brings a sense of stability to the team, albeit with certain conditions and challenges to navigate.
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