Babar Azam is no stranger to criticism, but the heat has intensified ever since Pakistan’s shock exit from the 2024 T20 World Cup. Fans were left fuming after a stunning defeat to the USA and a loss to arch-rivals India knocked Pakistan out in the group stage. For many, it wasn’t just the losses, but the leadership that came under scrutiny.
The backlash wasn’t new for Babar. His captaincy had already been questioned after Pakistan’s dismal performance in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India, where the team didn’t even make it to the knockout stage.
As a result, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) replaced him with Shaheen Afridi as the white-ball captain. But after a poor series under Shaheen’s leadership, the team found itself in a tough spot again. Babar was eventually reinstated as the T20 skipper, and here we are—back to where we started.
Is Change on the Horizon?
Lately, there have been rumors swirling about further changes in the leadership structure of Pakistan’s cricket team. Some media reports suggested that the PCB was considering removing Babar once again. However, according to recent insider reports, the board hasn’t had any serious discussions about altering the captaincy.
The PCB chairman, Mohsin Naqvi, has left the decision to the team’s coaches and selectors. And for now, it seems they’re sticking with Babar. Gary Kirsten, Pakistan’s white-ball coach, and Jason Gillespie, the red-ball coach, have both advised against making hasty changes.
They believe that Babar, along with Test captain Shan Masood, should be given a proper run to prove their leadership abilities. “There has been no discussion on changing the captains,” a source revealed. “Both Kirsten and Gillespie are clear that Shan and Babar deserve a fair chance before any judgment is passed on their leadership.”
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The Struggles Continue For Babar Azam
While the coaches may have Babar’s back, the pressure on him is undeniable. His recent form with the bat hasn’t helped his case. In Pakistan’s two-Test series against Bangladesh, Babar struggled to make an impact, failing to score a single half-century in four innings.
To make matters worse, Pakistan was swept 0-2 on home soil, which added fuel to the fire of criticism. Former Pakistan cricketers have been vocal, claiming Babar Azam lacks the tactical sharpness and assertiveness required to lead at the top level.
But despite the noise, the PCB isn’t rushing into any decisions. In their upcoming workshop titled “Cricket Connection,” which will focus on bridging the gap between domestic and international cricket, the issue of captaincy is reportedly off the agenda.
The coaches’ faith in him suggests that the board is willing to give him more time to settle into his leadership role. But cricket is a fickle game. One or two bad series could put Babar’s captaincy back under the microscope.
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