PCB ,It may be almost time for Babar Azam to call it quits as the white-ball captain.
Basit Ali, a former cricketer for Pakistan, is rooting for Mohammad Rizwan to take Babar Azam’s place as the Men in Green’s next captain. Babar may be about to experience the high point of his career as the white-ball captain. Rumors have been circulating lately that Rizwan is the frontrunner to succeed Babar. Fans and former Pakistani cricket players have responded to the reports in different ways. After seeing Rizwan captain Markhors against Stallions in the Champions One-Day Cup, Basit supported him to captain the Pakistani team.
He emphasized that Babar and Test captain Shan Masood are less skilled than Rizwan in reading the nature of the pitch.
“Rizawan demonstrated that he is the best skipper in the league by the manner in which he guided the team. With his captaincy, he has shown it. It is a significant deal that he read the pitch. Babar isn’t even capable of it. I’m not even bringing up Shan here. It’s a loss for Pakistan if you don’t name him captain at this point. Making Rizwan the captain right now would be ideal, Basit stated on his YouTube channel.
The Stallions took command when Rizwan gave the ball to Shahnawaz Dahani to bowl the eight overs after they had amassed a respectable score of 231.
Babar hit five straight fours off Dahani with a variety of strokes, and the Stallions sprinted to 47/1, appearing ready to pursue the objective.
For the remainder of the game, Rizwan altered his strategy and refrained from giving the ball to Dahani. In an attempt to find a breakthrough, he changed up the bowling lineup, using both pacers and spinners.
Shan Masood’s stumps were shaken by Naseem Shah, bringing Markhors back into contention. The Stallions folded at 105 in 23.4 overs after the single wicket caused them to collapse like a house of cards.
To complete an outstanding 126-run victory, the spin tandem of Salman Ali Agha (3/21) and Zahid Mahmood (5/18) exploited the Stallions’ hitters.
Cricket in Pakistan is no new to controversy, and this time around, Babar Azam, the team’s most successful batter, is being scrutinized for his leadership. There have been renewed calls for his dismissal as captain despite his accomplishments on the pitch and his ranking as one of the world’s best batters. According to reports, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is under pressure from several sources to remove Babar Azam from his captaincy position. A new player has emerged as the frontrunner to take Azam’s place.
We will go into great detail in this article on the reasons behind the doubts surrounding Babar Azam’s captaincy, the difficulties he has encountered, and the predictions for the next Pakistan cricket captain.
Babar Azam’s Ascent and Rule
The Captaincy Journey of Babar Azam
Fans and experts alike were not surprised by Babar Azam’s ascent to the captaincy. Because of his extraordinary talent and steady performance in every format, Babar was considered the apparent heir to players like Sarfaraz Ahmed. In 2019, he assumed leadership of Pakistan’s limited-overs team, and in 2021, he was named Test captain.
Outstanding Statistics Led by Babar
Babar has a lot of excellent numbers as a captain. Pakistan advanced to the 2022 Asia Cup final and the T20 World Cup semifinals under his direction. His form hasn’t declined either; according to the ICC rankings, he is constantly rated as one of the best batters.
The Increasing Disapproval
What Makes Babar’s Captaincy Seem Doubting?
Although Babar is an undisputed batsman, his leadership has frequently been called into doubt due to his tactical choices made on the pitch, particularly when it mattered the most. Babar’s detractors contend that he lacks the instinct and aggression needed to guide the squad to wins in crucial games.
Current Setbacks and Mistakes in Strategy
Pakistan’s patchy results, particularly in Test matches, have stoked the controversy surrounding Babar’s captaincy. Pakistan’s failure to win close games and their recent home Test losses to Australia and England have raised questions about his leadership style.
The PCB is Under Stress
Demands a Shift in Leadership
There has been continuous pressure on the PCB to reevaluate Babar’s captaincy. A shift in leadership could help the squad, as many former cricket players, pundits, and even sections of the media have frequently recommended. As Pakistan prepares for critical international tournaments, such as the ICC World Cup, this discussion has only been more heated.
A New Frontrunner Is Forming
Who Comes After?
Another player is apparently being considered as the frontrunner to replace Babar Azam as captain while he takes a beating. Shadab Khan, the vice-captain of Pakistan in limited overseas cricket, is the name that has surfaced. Shadab, who is renowned for his combative style and keen cricketing intellect, has received recognition for his leadership abilities in the Pakistan Super League (PSL).
Shadab Khan: The Perfect Occupant?
Shadab’s Background in Leadership
Shadab Khan has proven himself to be a capable leader thus far. In limited-overs matches, he has commanded the Pakistani squad in Babar’s absence, having captained Islamabad United in the PSL. He is a serious candidate to be Pakistan’s next full-time captain because of his tactical style and all-around skills.
Shadab’s Distinctions from Babar
Shadab is more risk-taking and aggressive than Babar, who is typically perceived as being calm and collected. He has developed a reputation as a leader who performs well under duress thanks to his proactive captaincy in Twenty20 matches—a quality Pakistan sorely needs in pivotal matches.
The Group’s Reaction to Rumours About Leadership
How Do the Players Feel About It?
The public and media continue to discuss Babar’s future, but the Pakistani team has mainly stuck with their leader. Numerous players have openly supported Babar’s leadership, including influential individuals like Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Rizwan. However, if the PCB chooses to name a new leader, the atmosphere in the dressing room can alter.
The PCB ‘s Function
What Happens to the PCB Next?
The PCB must make a challenging choice. In addition to being the team’s captain, Babar Azam represents Pakistan cricket internationally. His removal can have a significant impact on the team’s morale and public perception. However, continuing to support Babar could result in more criticism if the squad does poorly in subsequent competitions.
A Difficult Choice Up Front
The board will have to consider the advantages and disadvantages of keeping Babar as captain as opposed to giving Shadab Khan or another possible leader the reins. Whatever decision is made now will have a lasting impact on Pakistan cricket, especially with the World Cup approaching.
Conclusion: Is Pakistani Cricket Entering a New Era?
One thing is sure amidst the ongoing debate: Pakistan cricket is at a turning point. The PCB’s choice will influence the team’s direction in the future for many years, regardless of whether they choose to continue with Babar Azam or choose a new captain. The team’s performance under its captain will be closely watched as the World Cup approaches, and only time will tell if Pakistan will perform well or poorly under his leadership.