Captaincy of Babar Azam Under Review, Says PCB Chairman

Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi announced on Thursday that the future of captaincy of Babar Azam will be determined by former cricketers and head coach Gary Kirsten. However, he did not specify which former players would be involved in the decision-making process.

“There is, however, no decision taken so far related to Babar Azam,” Naqvi, who also serves as the country’s interior minister, told reporters in Lahore.

The Green Shirts have faced severe criticism following their early exit from the T20 World Cup, failing to reach the Super Eight stage. This performance was particularly humiliating given Pakistan’s cricketing stature. The team suffered losses to underdog the United States, making their international debut, and squandered a winning position against India. Even their victories against Ireland and Canada, considered weaker teams, were hard-fought.

Naqvi emphasized that decisions should not be made in anger, as hasty steps often prove counterproductive. “I’m only speaking to those former cricketers who are interested in the betterment of Pakistan cricket,” he added.

Last month, Naqvi mentioned the need for a “major surgery” in response to the national team’s poor performance. “People are asking about surgery, but one should not take any decision while you are angry. Hasty decisions can prove to be harmful more often than not,” he stated.

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Naqvi also expressed dissatisfaction with the selection committee’s decision-making. “Whoever made wrong decisions in the selection committee will also be held accountable,” he said.

The PCB chairman has called head coach Gary Kirsten and assistant coach Azhar Mahmood for discussions regarding the team’s performance. “Kirsten has also submitted a detailed report on Pakistan team’s performance in the T20 World Cup,” Naqvi noted.

Additionally, Naqvi admitted to investigating “grouping and politics” within the Pakistan team. He reiterated that players’ inclusion in the national side will be directly linked to their performance in domestic cricket.