Babar Azam eyes T20 WC leadership but past tensions with Amir and Wasim linger. Can PCB gamble on Babar for glory?
Babar Azam, Pakistan’s batting maestro, is back in the captaincy conversation. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is reportedly hovering toward reappointing him as a skipper ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024, a move that could reshape Pakistan’s cricketing landscape.
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This potential return comes after a tumultuous period for Babar. Relieved of his white-ball captaincy following the 2023 World Cup, the reins were handed to Shaheen Afridi. Babar subsequently relinquished the Test captaincy as well, paving the way for Shan Masood’s appointment. Coincidentally, Pakistan’s performances dipped during this time, with a Test series whitewash in Australia and a disappointing 1-4 defeat in the T20I series against New Zealand.
A leadership change at the PCB, with Mohsin Naqvi replacing Zaka Ashraf as chairman, has seemingly opened the door for Babar’s return. However, the story isn’t without its complications. Sources suggest Babar harbors lingering discontent over his previous removal and is seeking assurances from the board before accepting the mantle again.
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Adding another layer of intrigue is the potential inclusion of Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir, who recently reversed their international retirements. Both players have previously expressed criticism of Babar’s captaincy and batting in T20Is. How this dynamic unfolds within the team will be a fascinating subplot to watch.
Babar’s potential reinstatement raises a crucial question: can he recapture his leadership magic and guide Pakistan to T20 World Cup glory? His batting prowess is undeniable, but his captaincy record has faced scrutiny. The upcoming months will reveal whether the PCB’s gamble on Babar pays off or creates further uncertainty for the Men in Green.
Babar is king player of the 🌎