CRICKET
Babar Azam set to become captain once again? Pakistani cricket set for another upheaval
According to reports, Babar Azam is set to become the captain once again. This comes after Zaka Ashraf had stepped down as the chief of the Pakistani Cricket Board. The latest news was reported by noted Pakistani journalist Qadir Khawaja.
Babar Azam stepped down as the Pakistani skipper late last year. The men in green had failed to reach the ODI World Cup 2023 semi-finals and finished 5th in the table. Shan Masood and Shaheen Shah Afridi were named the Test and T20I captains.
Pakistan’s performance hasn’t improved as they have lost two successive series. The Test side under Shan Masood lost to Australia by 3-0 margin. Shaheen Afridi and his team lost the T20I series to New with by 4-1 margin.
More Drama set to unfold in Pakistan Cricket?
Qadir Khawaja who is a Pakistani journalist has dropped a major bombshell. Babar Azam as per his reports is set to be re-appointed the Pakistan once again. This latest news has left many in utter disbelief as there could be ramifications.
Babar Azam will become the captain of Pakistan team once again, as per Qadir Khawaja 👀
What about Shan Masood and Shaheen Afridi now? 😮 pic.twitter.com/qmWYJi1k7B
— Farid Khan (@_FaridKhan) February 6, 2024
The first thought that comes to mind is the fate of Shan Masood and Shaheen Afridi. Pakistan didn’t name an ODI skipper after the early exit from ODI World Cup 2023. It was rumoured that Mohammad Rizwan was the favourite for the top job in the ODI format.
It is a crucial year for Pakistan as they are set to take part in the 2024 T20I World Cup. On the 9th of June, India and Pakistan will lock horns in New York in front of a massive crowd. In 2025, Pakistan is likely to host the Champions Trophy tournament.
Zaka Ashraf stepping down as the PCB Chief seems to have turned the tide once again. Just after the ODI World Cup, Babar Azam stepped down as the skipper. The then PCB head Zaka Ashraf had wanted Babar Azam to continue as the Test captain.
Speaking to the media the former PCB chief had said “I had asked Babar Azam to continue as the Test skipper but he told me that he will speak to his family members before taking any decision. However, he went to his manager, who told him to leave captaincy from all formats”