Following the conclusion of the main event, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, bowler Shaheen Afridi, and former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed are allegedly being considered to replace Babar as captain.
The ICC’s best-ranked ODI batsman could lose his captaincy if the match ends in the semi-finals.
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) may have to look elsewhere for a skipper after Babar Azam‘s term as captain of the squad appears to be coming to an abrupt end due to the side’s poor results in the Asia Cup 2023 and the ongoing ODI World Cup. Pakistan, who have won two games and lost three under Babar’s direction, are now ranked fifth in the World Cup points standings. Pakistan has suffered three losses in their last three games, including a devastating seven-wicket loss to Afghanistan and a chaotic seven-wicket loss to India, their bitter rivals.
India Today quoted a source close to the development as saying, “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’s career is ended because, more crucially, he has always had players of his choosing on the team and has been granted unrestricted power and authority in his role as captain. The insider continued, “He is currently being held solely responsible for the Asia Cup and World Cup defeats as there has never been any attempt to reduce his authority.”
Pakistan might appoint new coaches after the 2023 ODI World Cup.
The source added that following the 2023 ODI World Cup, Mickey Arthur, Andrew Puttick, Grant Bradburn, and Morne Morkel, the current coaching staff of Pakistan may be let go. Pakistan will play a three-match Test series in Australia following the prestigious 10-team competition; there may be changes to the coaching staff and captaincy.
“After the World Cup, Pakistan has a very good probability of fielding a new coaching staff and captain for the Test series in Australia and the white ball series in New Zealand. The source stated that Shaheen might get a chance to skipper the Twenty20 team, but Sarfaraz might be selected to lead the Test and ODI teams once more.
With prestigious trophies like the ICC Champions Trophy and the U-19 World Cup in his trophy cabinet, Sarfaraz has an outstanding record as captain. In two matches, fellow wicketkeeper Rizwan led Pakistan but ultimately lost. Shaheen has not yet taken charge of Pakistan.
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