Babar Azam’s All-Format Captaincy Will Be Examined By The PCB
Following a disappointing home season, Pakistan cricket is prepared for a thorough examination of its squad structures, which may result in captaincy changes.
According to ESPNcricinfo, senior staff members in the board’s new management structure have stated a wish to let players and coaches know that they are dedicated to challenge the status quo if necessary. It has not been ruled out that such a challenge may split Pakistan’s captaincy across forms, robbing Babar Azam of some of the authority he now possesses as an all-format captain.
The current PCB government formed the interim selection committee, which is a transitory organisation in and of itself. The head coach of the national men’s team, Saqlain Mushtaq, is anticipated to resign.
After the PSL concludes in March, the board expects to evaluate it and make changes. Najam Sethi’s government took over from Ramiz Raja just three weeks ago, and they have been vigorously analysing Pakistan’s recent outcomes and organisational structures since then.
One of their first moves was to replace the selection committee chaired by Mohammad Wasim with Shahid Afridi in order to choose the ODI team for the current series against New Zealand.
However, it looks like the primary ruckus is taking place on the side. Shadab Khan, Babar’s normal deputy who is out with a finger injury, has been replaced as ODI vice-captain by Shan Masood, who was nominated by Sethi.
Masood hasn’t played in either of the first two games because Babar tried to minimise the vice-captaincy on the eve of the ODI series against New Zealand by emphasising that the appointment didn’t ensure he’d be in the XI. Despite the fact that Pakistan’s top four players are already well set, ESPNcricinfo reports Sethi is keen on including Shan in the XI.
Masood’s nomination exemplifies how this administration intends to change the status quo. The recent Test home season, in which Pakistan lost three of five Tests and won none, has cast doubt on Babar’s leadership, despite the fact that he still commands his side and is a highly successful batter.
Surprisingly, this change is taking place in the 50-over game, the format with which this squad appears to be most comfortable. Despite reservations regarding his leadership in T20 International matches, Babar has lately led Pakistan to the semi-finals and finals of two successive T20 World Cups, as well as the final of the Asia Cup.
Sethi hoped to bring back Mickey Arthur, the previous head coach, who has expressed a personal interest in developing a new coaching structure.