In a surprising turn of events, Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam has stepped down from his role as the captain of Pakistan’s white-ball teams, just months ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2024, which is set to be hosted in Pakistan. Babar, who had led the Pakistan side in all three formats for over three years, reportedly resigned late on Wednesday, citing a desire to focus on his batting as Pakistan faces a packed international schedule.
PCB’s Leadership Shift
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is now preparing to appoint separate captains for the three formats to manage the workload better, especially given the hectic cricketing calendar. Pakistan will play 18 ODIs and T20Is from November to December 2024, followed by two-Test series in South Africa, and then back-to-back series leading into the ICC Champions Trophy in February-March 2025.
According to sources, PCB was initially keen to retain Babar Azam as the ODI captain, but he tendered his resignation amid concerns about the increasing pressure on the team captain in all three formats.
Muhammad Rizwan—The Obvious Successor?
Insiders believe Muhammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s wicketkeeper-batter, is the most likely candidate to take over the white-ball captaincy. Rizwan, along with Babar, is one of the few players guaranteed a spot in all three formats, making him an ideal candidate for the leadership role. However, there are concerns regarding Rizwan’s workload. Given Pakistan’s jam-packed schedule, managing his performance across all formats while leading the team could pose significant challenges.
“Muhammad Rizwan is the obvious choice for the white-ball captaincy given that, along with Babar, he is the only player who is an automatic selection in all formats of the game,” said an insider quoted PTI.
“But things are not so simple because, with the hectic international calendar of the team, the workload on Rizwan is a worrying factor for red-ball coach, Jason Gillespie, Kirsten, the PCB and the selectors,” he added.
White-ball head coach Gary Kirsten and red-ball coach Jason Gillespie are reportedly working closely with the selection committee to address the growing workload concerns, not only for Rizwan but for other key players as well, including Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Potential Candidates for Captaincy
If the PCB decides not to overload Rizwan, other players like Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shadab Khan, Saim Ayub, and Shan Masood are being considered for leadership roles in the shorter formats. Kirsten has already expressed concerns over finding a player who can handle the pressures of leading in both T20Is and ODIs, especially after Babar’s dip in form and confidence as captain.
Shadab Khan, the current vice-captain of the limited-overs team, is seen as a possible deputy to Rizwan or a potential leader for the T20I side. Shaheen Shah Afridi, one of Pakistan’s most reliable performers, is also in the mix, but his own workload as a fast bowler raises questions about his ability to handle captaincy responsibilities.
The Road Ahead for Pakistan
Pakistan is set to face a grueling international calendar with tours to Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, followed by a two-Test series against the West Indies at home. After the ICC Champions Trophy, Pakistan will fly to New Zealand for a white-ball series before the highly anticipated Pakistan Super League kicks off.
With such a packed schedule, the PCB’s decision regarding the new captain will be crucial in ensuring the team’s balance, both in terms of performance and managing player fatigue.
Babar Azam’s Legacy as Captain
Babar Azam took over the captaincy of Pakistan in 2019, leading the team to several notable victories, including reaching the semi-finals of the 2021 T20 World Cup and the finals of the 2022 edition. Under his leadership, Pakistan also registered historic wins in England and South Africa. However, his tenure was marked by growing pressure, both from the public and the media, regarding his tactical decisions and team management.
As Pakistan prepares for a new chapter under fresh leadership, Babar Azam will continue to focus on his role as the team’s premier batter, aiming to regain form and contribute to Pakistan’s success on the international stage.
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