LAHORE: Revitalizing the national cricket team ahead of this year’s Twenty20 World Cup, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) announced on Sunday the reappointment of Babar Azam as the white-ball captain, signaling a fresh chapter in the team’s leadership dynamics.
Azam, who had relinquished his role as captain across all formats in November last year following Pakistan’s disappointing exit from the 50-over World Cup in India, has now been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the team in T20Is and ODIs.
The decision, endorsed by the PCB’s selection committee, underscores Azam’s stature as a dynamic leader and his ability to inspire the team towards success in the shorter formats of the game.
Following the unanimous recommendation of the selection committee, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi formally appointed Azam as the white-ball captain, marking a significant step in the team’s strategic planning for upcoming tournaments.
The reshuffle in leadership comes in the wake of Pakistan’s lackluster performance in the previous World Cup, where they failed to progress beyond the group stage, prompting a reevaluation of the team’s structure and management.
Azam’s return to the helm is part of a broader overhaul within the team, with Shan Masood assuming the role of Test captain and Shaheen Shah Afridi leading the T20I side in recent months.
The appointment of Mohammad Hafeez as team director following the departure of former head coach Mickey Arthur reflects the PCB’s commitment to fostering a culture of accountability and performance-driven leadership within the team.
In a bid to bolster the team’s prospects ahead of the T20 World Cup, Pakistan is set to embark on a rigorous schedule of matches, including series against New Zealand, Ireland, and England, providing ample opportunities for Azam and his team to fine-tune their skills and strategies.
The PCB’s recent initiatives, including reforms to the selection process and the inclusion of captains and coaches in decision-making, underscore a renewed focus on optimizing team performance and fostering a culture of excellence within Pakistani cricket.
With the return of seasoned campaigners such as Mohammad Amir and Imad Wasim, coupled with a rigorous training regimen at the army base Kakul, Pakistan is poised to make a formidable impact on the global cricketing stage, as they gear up for the challenge of the T20 World Cup later this year.
