Babar Azam’s resignation, the Pakistan cricket team is poised for a leadership transition, and wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan has emerged as a leading candidate for the captaincy.
Sources suggest that Rizwan is the primary choice after Babar stepped down from the white-ball captaincy.
Relevant officials are reportedly in discussions with Rizwan about team selection, indicating a shift in leadership dynamics.
Babar announced his decision to resign, citing a desire to focus on personal development and enhance his playing performance.
He stated on X,
“By stepping down, I will gain clarity moving forward and focus more energy on my game.”
While Babar’s resignation was voluntary, sources indicate he was not forced to step down; rather, he was encouraged to remain captain of the ODI team with the support of white-ball coach Gary Kirsten.
Kirsten has been advocating for a new T20 captain as part of his strategic vision for the team.
This plan has been in motion since July, when Kirsten visited Pakistan to discuss the T20 World Cup and met with Babar regarding captaincy matters.
However, Babar felt increasingly distanced from the team and was excluded from the consultation process leading up to his resignation. Reports suggest he was discouraged by the team’s recent performances, particularly after their disappointing exits from the Asia Cup and the World Cup.
As Pakistan cricket looks to the future, Rizwan’s leadership could signal a pivotal moment for the team.
His experience and consistent performances position him as a strong candidate to guide the squad through upcoming challenges.