Taking responsibility for the failure of the Pakistan team in the current World Cup, Babar Azam has given up the captaincy of Pakistan from three editions – Test, ODI and T-20. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the name of the new captain immediately after Babar Azam’s resignation.
Shaheen Afridi has been made T20 captain. And Shan Masood has got the responsibility of Test. Pakistan has decided the captain of T-20 and Test but still not named the captain of ODI team.
Babar had to leave the captaincy due to India not being able to give expected performance in the ongoing World Cup. Earlier, Babar’s team failed miserably at the Asia Cup stage as well. Since then he was in the face of the cannon. However, despite leaving the leadership, he will continue as a player in all three editions.
In a statement about giving up the captaincy, Babar said, ‘I can remember very clearly the moment in 2019 when I got the call from the PCB to lead Pakistan. I have witnessed many ups and downs on and off the field, but with all the passion of my heart I have tried to uphold the glory and honor of Pakistan in the world of cricket.’
He added, ‘Today I am stepping down from the captaincy of Pakistan in all formats. It’s a very difficult decision but I think it’s the right time. I will represent Pakistan in three formats as a player. I will help the captain and Pakistan team with my experience and concentration. I would like to thank the Pakistan Cricket Board for giving me the opportunity to fulfill this wonderful responsibility.’
Shan Masood has been playing international cricket for a long time, having received the responsibility of the Test team. He has played 30 Tests in a white shirt career spanning nearly a decade. Where around 29 scored 1597 runs.
On the other hand, Afridi, who has led the Pakistan team in T20, has played 52 T20s in Pakistan’s jersey in a career of about 5 years. Where he took 63 wickets at an average of 23. This pacer has been the biggest weapon of Pakistan team’s pace department for the past few years.
Whether PCB will go with the theory of three captains in three formats, it is not sure now. If not, then Afridi can be seen as the leader in both white ball formats.
(November 15/NBW)