The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made the decision to reinstate Babar Azam as T20I captain, following a recommendation from the newly-formed selection committee.
Babar Azam to lead again…
Babar Azam is set to resume his role as captain during the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand. This move comes after Shaheen Shah Afridi was appointed as the white-ball captain by the PCB under the leadership of Zaka Ashraf, following the team’s disappointing performance in the ICC World Cup 2023. Shan Masood had been handed the red-ball captaincy by the previous management.
According to sources, the selection committee conveyed to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi their unanimous decision that Babar Azam should lead the T20 squad. It is anticipated that the 29-year-old will participate in the Kakul training camp in his capacity as captain.
Meanwhile, Shaheen Shah Afridi had contemplated stepping down as T20I captain in response to this development. However, sources close to the fast bowler have advised him against it, emphasizing that the appointment of the captain is solely the prerogative of the cricket board.
Also read: Babar Azam Meets PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi Amid Captaincy Speculation
Babar Azam had relinquished his position as captain across all formats in November last year, following Pakistan’s dismal performance in the World Cup. Criticism had mounted against him for several months as Pakistan struggled in both the Asia Cup and the World Cup, failing to advance beyond the group stage in the latter tournament.
While Babar had previously been appointed as the white-ball captain in 2019 and as the Test skipper in 2020, Pakistan has not secured any ICC or Asia Cup titles under his leadership.
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