After suffering three consecutive losses in the Cricket World Cup 2023, captain Babar Azam is facing immense pressure. Former cricketers such as Wasim Akram and Ramiz Raja have criticized the Pakistani captain for being too conservative and lacking creativity. According to a report by Press Trust of India, Babar Azam could be replaced as captain after the World Cup.
There are three potential candidates who could take up the captaincy role – Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, and Safaraz Ahmed. The report also suggests that Pakistan might opt for different captains for each format of the game.
A source from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) informed PTI that there will be consequences for the poor performance unless Pakistan miraculously qualifies for the semifinals. The source stated, “Only if Pakistan can stage a miracle and win all their remaining matches to qualify for the semi-finals of this World Cup does Babar stand any chance of surviving as captain, and even then he might be relegated to skipper in just the red ball format.”
Babar Azam was given the team of his choice for the World Cup, which has added extra pressure on him as he is accountable for the team’s performance. The report mentions that members of the technical committee, Misbah-ul-Haq and Mohammad Hafeez, had recommended a few changes in the World Cup squad, but Babar rejected all of them. PCB chairman Zaka Ashraf also supported Babar’s decisions. The source stated, “It is over for Babar because he has been given unbridled power and authority as captain, and more importantly, he has always had players of his choice in the team.” The source added that Babar is now solely responsible for the defeats in the Asia Cup and World Cup.
In a post-match interview after the loss to Afghanistan, Ramiz Raja mentioned that Babar Azam seemed depressed and lost in memory. However, he encouraged the captain to stay strong, stating that true fans are behind him.
The source further added that Sarfaraz Ahmed might be chosen to captain the Test and ODI sides again, while Shaheen Shah Afridi could get the opportunity to be the T20 captain. Currently, Sarfaraz is not part of the World Cup squad.
The coaching staff is also under scrutiny following the disappointing campaign. If Pakistan only manages to reach the group stage and return home, Mickey Arthur, Grant Bradburn, Mornie Merkel, Andrew Puttick, and manager Rehan ul Haq could all face termination.
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