Babar Azam reappointed as Pakistan’s white-ball captain ahead of T20 WC
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the reappointment of Babar Azam as the white-ball captain for the national team, a decision made just months before the commencement of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.
This move follows a unanimous recommendation from the PCB’s selection committee, reinstating Azam’s leadership in both ODI and T20I formats. The decision marks a return to captaincy for Azam, who had previously stepped down from the position after Pakistan’s underwhelming performance in the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, where they finished in sixth place.
In Azam’s absence, Shaheen Shah Afridi assumed the role of T20I captain, while Shan Masood led the team in red-ball cricket. However, despite Afridi’s captaincy stint during Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand, where the team managed to secure only one victory in a five-match T20I series, Azam has been reinstated to lead the team ahead of the crucial T20 World Cup. The decision underscores the importance of Azam’s leadership and experience in guiding Pakistan’s campaign in the upcoming tournament.
Azam’s first assignment after his reappointment will be the five-match home T20I series against New Zealand, set to begin on April 18. The series serves as a vital opportunity for Pakistan to fine-tune their preparations for the T20 World Cup under Azam’s leadership. With the marquee event just two months away, Pakistan aims to bolster their performance and strategy under Azam’s captaincy as they gear up to compete against the world’s best teams in the tournament.
Pakistan’s journey in the T20 World Cup will commence in Group A, where they will face formidable opponents such as India, Ireland, Canada, and the USA. The much-anticipated clash against arch-rivals India is scheduled to take place in New York on June 9, adding further intrigue to Pakistan’s campaign in the tournament. As Azam resumes his role as captain, Pakistan will be eager to build upon their previous successes in T20 cricket and strive for a strong showing in the upcoming World Cup under his leadership.
