Babar Azam, the current ODI captain of Pakistan, whose captaincy is under scrutiny due to various reasons. It was during the T20 World Cup 2024 under his captaincy that the team failed to progress beyond the group stage, losing to India and suffering a shocking defeat against the USA.
There is no doubt that Pakistan cricket is in turmoil, with poor performances in both Test cricket and the white-ball format. Many changes are expected, with Shan Masood potentially being replaced as Test captain. Also, there are chances we might see changes in the white-ball format, as reports indicate that white-ball head coach Gary Kirsten had discussions with PCB officials in July regarding potential adjustments.
It is important to note that this is not the first time Babar Azam captaincy has come under scrutiny, last year, after the World Cup 2023 in India, he was removed, and Shaheen Afridi was named captain. However, Afridi’s poor captaincy led to Babar’s return. Now, once again, there is a sword hanging over his captaincy. So, who are the potential players who could replace Babar Azam if he is sacked?
Players who could replace Babar Azam
Mohammad Rizwan
The first name getting serious attention as a potential captain is Mohammed Rizwan. He has considerable experience in captaincy in the PSL and has performed well as the vice captain for Pakistan in white-ball formats. In the Pakistan Super League, he has achieved 32 wins, and under his captaincy, the Multan Sultans won the 2021 PSL. With an incredible batting record and showing leadership in the past, he is a front-runner for this position.
Shaheen Afridi
The next big name could be Shaheen Afridi. As mentioned, Afridi is not a fresh face, as he has already captained the Pakistan team in white-ball formats, leading the team in five T20Is, where they lost four games and won just one. He also captained Lahore Qalandars in the PSL, leading them to victory in 2022. There is no doubt that Afridi’s name will be discussed if the PCB decides to remove Babar Azam.
Saud Shakeel
This youngster’s name is also a topic of discussion, as there are chances that the PCB might consider Shan Masood as Test captain. Why not? Shakeel has served as vice-captain in Test cricket. In 12 games, this left-hander has scored 1,126 runs at an average of 56, showcasing an impressive rise in the red-ball format. There is a possibility that he could also be the one to take on the ODI captaincy, although he is slightly inexperienced, having played a total of 15 games and scored 317 runs. However, the PCB may think about this if they are looking toward the future.
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