According to reports from Pakistani media outlet Geo News on Friday (March 29), Babar Azam is the most likely candidate to lead Pakistan at the upcoming T20 World Cup in June, which will take place in the USA and the Caribbean.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) are mulling over a change in captaincy ahead of the showpiece ICC event in June, and are planning to convince Babar to return as the captain.
Bet here on IPL 2024 and other cricket matches!
If Babar does reconsider and decides to accept the proposal from PCB, then his first assignment in his second stint as captain would be the five-match T20I series against New Zealand at home, which begins on April 18.
Babar Azam reluctant to return as Pakistan captain
According to the sources, Babar will lead the T20I team at the Kakul training camp after the selection committee unanimously recommended that he be appointed captain. PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi was made aware of this decision by the committee.
But worries remain since Babar is reluctant because of his past experiences. In the event that the 29-year-old declines the captaincy, wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan is also being considered as a backup plan.
Where does this leave Shaheen Afridi?
There have been questions raised about the lack of communication with Shaheen Afridi. Regarding the talks, neither PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, nor any other officials had gotten in touch with him.
Shaheen was instrumental in persuading Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim to come out of retirement in order to serve the country, showing that he was already planning for the T20 World Cup even though his team, Lahore Qalandars, failed miserably in defending their Pakistan Super League title in the recently-concluded ninth season.
Shaheen was considering resigning as the T20I captain in light of the events. Sources close to the pacer, however, have urged him against it since the cricket body has the authority to choose the captain, and he should follow the PCB's decision.
The PCB stated that following the current fitness camp in Kakul, which ends on April 8, it will make a decision about Shaheen's future as the captain of the T20I team.
If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Learn more >