Pakistan cricket finds itself amidst potential leadership changes as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reportedly seeks Babar Azam’s return to captaincy across all formats. Following Babar’s resignation after Pakistan’s premature exit from the 2023 ODI World Cup, PCB aims to reinstate him, losing confidence in current T20I captain, Shaheen Afridi.

Shan Masood’s appointment as Test captain and Shaheen Afridi’s elevation to T20I captaincy marked recent changes in Pakistan’s leadership. However, PCB officials, including Chairman Mohsin Naqvi, are scheduled to meet with Babar to persuade him to assume leadership across all formats.

Training at the military academy Kakul in Abbottabad, the Pakistan cricket team anticipates a potential shift in leadership dynamics. PCB desires Babar to lead the T20I squad and other formats, aiming for a smooth transition before the upcoming T20 World Cup.

Despite PCB’s proposal for Babar to captain until the T20 World Cup, the star batter expresses interest in a long-term leadership role, extending beyond the imminent tournament. Sources close to Babar reveal his precondition for considering T20I captaincy, emphasizing his aspiration to lead the national team across all formats.

As discussions unfold, Babar’s advisors urge him to assert his demands, leveraging PCB’s current vulnerability. The cricketing board’s eagerness for Babar’s leadership in the T20I World Cup potentially strengthens his negotiating position.

However, amid these deliberations, current T20I captain Shaheen Shah Afridi remains uninformed of PCB’s considerations. The lack of communication raises concerns regarding transparency and player involvement in crucial decisions.

Criticism mounts against PCB’s silence on the matter, with former cricketer Shahid Afridi questioning the fairness of replacing Shaheen Shah Afridi, especially considering his brief stint as captain. Shaheen’s active role in team-building, including convincing players to return from retirement, highlights his commitment to the team’s success.

As Pakistan cricket navigates potential leadership transitions, the outcome of PCB’s discussions with Babar Azam will shape the team’s future trajectory, especially with the T20 World Cup on the horizon.

By : Kruthiga V S

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