Following Babar Azam’s resignation as Pakistan’s white-ball captain, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has addressed the increasing speculation surrounding his successor. Babar, recognized as one of Pakistan’s top batsmen, announced his decision last week, citing the demanding nature of captaincy and his desire to focus on improving his batting performance.
Babar’s resignation has ignited discussions regarding potential candidates for the leadership role. In a recent media briefing, Chairman Naqvi stressed the importance of the captaincy and the necessity of a careful selection process. “I have told them to make a decision after thorough consideration because the captain’s role is crucial,” Naqvi stated.
This marks a recurring theme in Babar’s leadership journey; he previously stepped down in November 2023 after Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India. However, he was reinstated as the white-ball captain in March 2024, leading the team through a series of T20I matches against New Zealand, Ireland, and England.
During his second tenure, Babar captained Pakistan in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, where the team faced a historic low by exiting in the group stage after unexpected defeats to the United States and India. These outcomes have heightened scrutiny regarding the team’s leadership and performance strategies. Currently, there are rumors and reports suggesting that wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan is being considered as a potential successor for the captaincy.
