In a significant development, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has reinstated Babar Azam as the captain of the national cricket team for both T20 Internationals (T20Is) and One-Day Internationals (ODIs). This decision comes after Shaheen Shah Afridi’s tenure as skipper ended, following a series of disappointing performances earlier this year.
The PCB’s selection committee, led by Mohsin Naqvi, deliberated extensively on the choice of the new captain. Under Afridi’s leadership, Pakistan failed to secure a single victory, prompting the need for change. Babar Azam, who had previously resigned from captaincy across all formats after Pakistan’s murky exit from the 2023 ODI World Cup, emerged as the top contender for the coveted position.
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Afridi, who briefly held the T20 captaincy, will now return the baton to Babar Azam. The decision to reinstate Babar has sparked debates among fans. While Azam has led the South Asian side in five key tournaments, the team has yet to clinch any ICC or Asia Cup titles under his captaincy.
Babar Azam, celebrated for his exceptional batting skills and unwavering temperament, remains the only player in the top five rankings across all three formats. His journey began with an ODI debut in 2016, followed by his Test debut in 2015 and his T20 debut in 2016. Notably, he secured victory in the Under-15 World Cup at 14 and later represented Pakistan in two Under-19 World Cups.
Babar has etched his name in international cricket history as a power hitter, setting numerous records. His prowess extends beyond national boundaries, as he continues to excel in T20 leagues around the globe. With the captain’s armband once again adorning his sleeve, all eyes are on Babar Azam as he leads Pakistan’s cricketing fortunes in the coming seasons. 🏏🇵🇰
