Former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal recently expressed concerns over ongoing discussions about changing Pakistan cricket team’s captain, particularly in the context of Babar Azam’s leadership. In an interview with GeoNews in Lahore, Akmal raised critical questions about the motives behind calls for a leadership change, especially when certain influential figures enter the scene. He questioned whether the current captain is not favored by some powerful individuals who might be pushing for a captain of their choice.
Akmal’s comments came amid speculations surrounding Babar Azam’s position as captain, which have surfaced following Pakistan’s performance in major tournaments such as the Asia Cup, ODI World Cup, and T20 World Cup. Despite these performances, Akmal expressed disbelief at the idea of a captaincy change, especially considering that no change occurred after previous losses in these prestigious tournaments. He firmly stated that Babar Azam should continue as captain at least until the Champions Trophy, arguing that changing the captain would have little to no impact on the team’s fortunes.
Questioning the Need for a Change:
In his candid remarks, Kamran Akmal asked whether the calls for a new captain would lead to any significant improvements. He rhetorically questioned whether appointing a new leader would magically bring world-class players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Steve Smith, or Mitchell Starc into the team, as these international stars are not the solution to Pakistan’s internal cricketing issues. His point was clear: merely changing the captain does not address the broader systemic issues that Pakistan cricket has faced for years.
Akmal emphasized that the players, whether under the current captain or a new one, will still have to compete within the same system. He stressed the need for introspection and for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), selectors, and coaches to improve their approach rather than merely changing personnel. He argued that without a change in thinking, it is futile to expect different results simply by swapping captains.
A Call for Structural Reform:
Beyond the captaincy debate, Akmal’s comments reflected his broader critique of the current cricketing system in Pakistan. He believes that the real issue lies not in individual leadership but in the deeper foundations of the game in the country. Referring to the domestic and club cricket structures, Akmal suggested that Pakistan cricket’s “Qibla” (direction) needs to be corrected. He emphasized the importance of strengthening domestic cricket, improving player development, and fostering a healthy, competitive environment in local leagues.
Without these foundational improvements, he warned, similar mistakes and “blunders” would continue to plague Pakistan cricket. According to him, simply changing the captain will not address these underlying problems. To achieve long-term success, Akmal believes Pakistan must focus on building a strong domestic structure and developing young talent, rather than relying on short-term fixes like changing leadership.
Broader Implications:
Kamran Akmal’s remarks reflect a growing concern within the cricketing fraternity about Pakistan’s cricketing future. While captaincy changes have been a common occurrence in Pakistan cricket, Akmal believes that this approach has often been counterproductive. Constant changes in leadership have unsettled the team and affected the players’ confidence, as acknowledged by other former players like Misbah-ul-Haq. Akmal’s call for patience and continuity in leadership, combined with a push for systemic reforms, offers a fresh perspective in a debate that often focuses too heavily on individual leaders.
His statements align with the frustrations voiced by many within the cricketing community about the short-term approach taken by the PCB and other stakeholders. Akmal’s insistence on the need for long-term planning, player development, and structural reform echoes sentiments shared by other former cricketers and analysts who believe that Pakistan cricket needs to prioritize foundational changes over quick fixes.
Kamran Akmal’s critique of the ongoing discussions around a potential captaincy change reflects his belief that Pakistan cricket’s issues are far more complex than individual leadership. He argues that systemic reforms, especially in domestic cricket and player development, are crucial for the long-term success of the team. According to him, changing the captain without addressing these deeper issues would only be a temporary solution that does little to improve the overall performance and stability of the Pakistan cricket team.
Akmal’s call for patience, introspection, and structural reform highlights a perspective that goes beyond the usual captaincy debate, urging cricketing authorities in Pakistan to focus on long-term development rather than immediate results. His message is clear: real progress can only be achieved by strengthening the system, not just by changing the captain.
