The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Friday the reinstatement of Babar Azam as the captain of the national team, following the recommendation of the newly-formed selection committee.
Sources revealed that Babar Azam will lead the Green Shirts during the upcoming five-match T20 series against New Zealand, scheduled to commence on April 20.
Shaheen Shah Afridi was previously appointed as the white-ball captain in the aftermath of the team’s disappointing performance in the ICC World Cup 2023. Shan Masood had been entrusted with the red-ball captaincy by the preceding PCB management.
It’s reported that the selection committee proposed Babar’s appointment as captain, and he is expected to attend the Kakul training camp in this capacity.
In the meantime, sources close to Shaheen Shah Afridi disclosed that he had contemplated stepping down from his position. However, his close associates advised him to await the PCB’s decision.
Babar Azam had relinquished the captaincy across all formats in November of the previous year after leading the side for four years. His decision came amidst mounting criticism following Pakistan’s lackluster performances in the Asia Cup and the World Cup, where they failed to advance to the semi-finals.
Having been appointed as the white-ball captain in 2019 and as Test skipper in 2020, Babar Azam’s leadership tenure has yet to yield any ICC or Asia Cup titles for the team.
