Babar is still reluctant to take on the responsibility once more, insisting on clarifications from the board on specific issues before agreeing to resume the captaincy
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is gearing up to reappoint Babar Azam as captain ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024.
Cricket Pakistan reported on March 12 that Shaheen Shah Afridi’s T20I captaincy is in jeopardy. Initially, Mohammad Rizwan was a frontrunner to replace Shaheen, with Babar Azam also in contention. However, recent developments have positioned Babar as the primary candidate for the captaincy once more. PCB officials are nearing a decision to entrust him with the role.
Babar Azam was relieved of his white-ball captaincy after the 2023 World Cup, with Shaheen Afridi assuming T20I leadership. Following his removal from T20I captaincy, Babar also stepped down from red-ball leadership, leading to Shan Masood’s appointment as Test captain. Pakistan’s performance suffered, notably losing all three Tests in Australia and facing a 1-4 defeat in the T20I series in New Zealand.
Since then, there has been a change in PCB leadership, with Mohsin Naqvi succeeding Zaka Ashraf as chairman. Naqvi hinted at a potential change in captaincy during his recent press conference in Lahore.
Sources have revealed that Babar Azam was dissatisfied with the handling of his previous removal from the captaincy and remains hesitant to accept the responsibility again. He seeks assurances from the board regarding certain matters and will only agree to reassume the captaincy if his concerns are addressed.
Meanwhile, Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir have rescinded their international retirements and are likely to be included in Pakistan’s T20I squad for the World Cup. The potential reinstatement of Babar Azam raises questions about the dynamics between him and Imad and Amir, who have previously criticized Babar’s captaincy and batting in T20Is on national television.