Xtra Time Web Desk: Babar Azam has reclaimed his role as the captain of the Pakistan ODI and T20I teams, following a unanimous recommendation from the Pakistan Cricket Board’s (PCB) selection committee. The decision, made by PCB chairman Mohsin Naqvi, reinstates Babar as the leader in the limited-overs formats, displacing Shaheen Shah Afridi from the T20I captaincy.
Shaheen faced difficulties during his tenure as captain, notably during the 1-4 series loss against New Zealand and Lahore Qalandars’ failure to qualify for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2024 playoffs. Babar will now lead Pakistan in the upcoming 5-match T20I series against New Zealand, scheduled from April 18 to April 27 in Lahore and Rawalpindi.
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Reports suggested that Shaheen was considering stepping down from the captaincy, feeling disheartened by the lack of communication from Mohsin Naqvi and the national selectors regarding his future as captain. Babar’s resignation from the captaincy last year stemmed from Pakistan’s failure to progress to the semi-finals of the ODI World Cup. Criticism also targeted Babar’s own batting form, as he failed to register a century during the tournament.
Despite this setback, Babar has returned to lead the ODI and T20I teams, while Shan Masood continues as Test captain. Babar’s leadership record in T20Is remains impressive, having won 42 out of 71 matches, establishing him as one of the most successful captains in the format.
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