As the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) embarks on a new chapter under chairman Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi, a familiar name is resurfacing in leadership discussions: Babar Azam. After stepping down from all captaincy roles following Pakistan’s underwhelming performance at the 2023 ODI World Cup, Azam could be making a dramatic return, potentially across all formats
From Resignation to Re-Appointment? A Tumultuous Journey
Azam’s initial decision to relinquish the captaincy in all formats, including Tests where then-chairman Zaka Ashraf urged him to stay, left many surprised. However, recent reports suggest a potential shift in the tide. According to Pakistani journalist Qadir Khawaja, Azam might be back in the captain’s seat, raising questions about the rationale behind this move.
Since Azam’s departure, Pakistan’s cricketing fortunes haven’t shown much improvement. The team suffered a clean sweep in their Test series against Australia, extending their winless streak Down Under to 17 matches. The newly appointed T20I captain, Shaheen Afridi, also faced a 1-4 series defeat against New Zealand. These results add pressure to the decision regarding Azam’s potential return.
Babar’s Batting Prowess: A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the team’s struggles, Azam remains a bright spot with his consistent batting performances. Currently, he leads the run-scoring charts in the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League 2024, showcasing his form and ability to anchor the innings. His impressive T20I series against New Zealand, where he finished as the second-highest run-scorer, further highlights his batting prowess.
While Azam’s potential return as captain offers a familiar face and proven batting talent, concerns linger about the overall team performance and the lack of significant improvement under the current leadership. Can Azam, if re-appointed, provide strategic guidance and inspire his teammates to break free from the cycle of defeats? Only time will tell if this potential captaincy comeback marks a new beginning for Pakistan cricket or simply extends the period of uncertainty.
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