The Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) decision to reinstate Babar Azam as the captain for the white-ball teams has sparked widespread debate within the cricketing community.
While opinions remain divided on Azam’s leadership, there are compelling reasons why this move could prove to be a game-changer for Pakistan cricket.
Shaheen Afridi: Not the Ideal Choice for Captaincy
Shaheen Afridi assumed the role of T20I captain after Azam’s resignation following the disappointing World Cup 2023 campaign.
However, Afridi’s captaincy debut commenced with a five-match series against New Zealand, where Pakistan endured a dismal 4-1 series loss.
Matters only worsened for him during the Pakistan Super League (PSL) season nine, where his team, Lahore Qalandars, managed to secure just one victory out of ten matches.
Despite being one of Pakistan’s premier pace bowlers, Afridi has faced struggles with form recently, exacerbated by his return from injury the previous year.
Meanwhile, his stint as captain highlighted some immaturity, particularly evident in the New Zealand series and PSL 9.
While there remains room for growth and maturation over time, given his injury concerns and recent performance, Afridi’s suitability as captain may be questioned.
Babar Azam: A Proven T20I Captain
In contrast, Babar Azam boasts an impressive record as a T20I captain, with Pakistan securing victory in 42 out of 71 games under his leadership.
Notable achievements include bilateral series wins against top cricketing nations and commendable performances in ICC Men’s T20 World Cups.
The biggest feather in Babar Azam’s cap is defeating India in a World Cup game for the first time during the T20 World Cup 2021.
Azam’s leadership prowess was evident in his joint world record as the most successful T20I captain alongside Eoin Morgan and Asghar Afghan.
Babar Azam Unifies Team As Captain
Babar Azam’s captaincy extends beyond the cricket field, where he serves as a unifying force for the Pakistani team.
Through his exemplary performance and leadership style, Azam fosters a culture of unity and camaraderie within the squad.
His emphasis on team bonding and mutual respect has contributed to a cohesive unit, translating into improved performances on the field.
However, this time will he will face a challenge to bury the hatchet with returning players Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir, who were vocal critics of Azam’s captaincy during his first tenure.
Stability and Consistency
Under Babar Azam’s captaincy, Pakistan has witnessed a significant improvement in performances in multi-nation tournaments.
Unlike previous World Cups, where Pakistan faced early exits, Azam has instilled stability and consistency in the team’s performance.
His calm and composed approach to leadership has earned him the respect of teammates and has been instrumental in Pakistan’s success on the global stage.
In conclusion, Babar Azam’s reinstatement as the captain of Pakistan’s white-ball teams represents a strategic move aimed at revitalizing the team’s fortunes.
With his proven track record, leadership qualities, and ability to unify the team, Azam is poised to lead Pakistan cricket to new heights of success in the upcoming T20 World Cup and beyond.
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