- Babar Azam requested PCB for all-format captaincy.
- Babar stepped down from captaincy after ICC World Cup 2023.
- Babar has captained Pakistan in five international tournaments.
Babar Azam, the middle-order batter for Pakistan, has requested the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) to appoint him as captain across all formats before he considers taking on the role of T20I captain. According to a report by ESPN Cricinfo, Babar was approached by the PCB to lead the T20I team, replacing Shaheen Shah Afridi after just one series against New Zealand in January, ahead of the 2024 T20 World Cup. However, the 29-year-old has not yet given a response to the management.
Following the conclusion of the ICC World Cup 2023, Babar was relieved of captaincy duties in all formats. Shaheen took charge of the shorter format, while Shan Masood became the Test captain. Notably, no captain was announced for ODIs.
To consider the PCB’s request to lead the team in the upcoming World Cup, Babar has set a condition: he will accept the offer only if he is made captain across all formats. This stance was reported by ESPN Cricinfo.
During an earlier press conference, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi stated that he is unaware of who will lead the team in the World Cup. Naqvi’s remarks have fueled rumors, suggesting that Afridi may be removed as the T20I captain.
Naqvi emphasized the importance of a long-term solution, whether it’s retaining Shaheen or appointing a new captain. The decision will be made after the fitness camp, which begins on Monday. Technical factors will be carefully considered, and the PCB aims to avoid changing captains solely based on match outcomes.
If the PCB agrees to Babar’s condition of captaining all three formats, Shan Masood will need to step down as the red-ball captain. Masood led the team in just one series against Australia in December 2023, where Pakistan lost 3-0. Despite the challenges, the team displayed a positive and aggressive approach, coming close to victory in the third Test.
It’s worth noting that Babar has captained Pakistan in five international tournaments: the T20 World Cup in 2021 and 2022, the Asia Cup in 2022 and 2023, and the World Cup in 2023. However, under his leadership, the Green Shirts have not secured any ICC or Asia Cup titles.
