Pakistan’s superstar batter Babar Azam has been reinstated as the captain of the men’s national team for both the ODI and T20I formats. Babar had stepped down from his captaincy duties across all formats after the conclusion of the 2023 ODI World Cup. However, with Mohsin Naqvi assuming the chairmanship of the PCB, Babar has been entrusted with the leadership role once again.
Babar Azam Reappointed As Pakistan’s ODI And T20I Captain
Babar Azam will take over the role of T20I captain from Shaheen Shah Afridi. Since Babar’s departure, the PCB had not officially named an ODI captain. Shan Masood currently serves as the Test captain, having led the team in a recent three-match series in Australia.
In a post, the Pakistan Cricket Board wrote: “Babar Azam appointed as white-ball captain. 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.”
Despite Pakistan’s recent defeat under Shan Masood’s captaincy in Test cricket against Australia, he will continue to lead the team in the longest format. In T20Is, Pakistan suffered a 4-1 series loss under Shaheen Shah Afridi’s captaincy, prompting concerns among stakeholders, especially given Lahore Qalandars’ performance in the PSL.
However, Babar Azam’s return as the white-ball captain has received full support from the current selection panel, which includes Wahab Riaz, Asad Shafiq, Abdul Razzaq, and Mohammad Yousuf, according to the PCB’s statement.
Babar Azam’s return as the captain will see him lead Pakistan in a series of T20Is against New Zealand at home, followed by a challenging series against England away, consisting of four T20Is. The highlight of the season will be the T20 World Cup later this year.
However, Babar’s reinstatement does come as a setback for Shaheen Shah Afridi, who had aspirations of leading the team in the T20 World Cup.
