The Pakistan cricket team is currently facing significant upheaval, with changes in selectors and captains shaking up the squad. In a surprising turn of events, Babar Azam has resigned from his positions as captain for both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and T20 Internationals (T20Is). This marks Babar’s second resignation from the captaincy, primarily due to the team’s lackluster performance under his leadership, which has drawn considerable criticism. Now, the focus shifts to who will take the helm in his place.
Who Will Lead Pakistan in Babar’s Absence?
Recent media reports indicate that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to announce new captains for the ODI and T20 formats. The experienced wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan is emerging as a strong candidate to lead the ODI team. In parallel, the PCB may opt for the young and promising Mohammad Haris to captain the T20 team, an audacious choice given his relative inexperience at the international level. Recently, Haris showcased his leadership skills by guiding his team to victory in the domestic Champions ODI Cup.
A New Era with Mohammad Haris?
Mohammad Haris’s international experience might raise eyebrows amongst critics. So far, he has participated in just 15 matches for Pakistan—6 ODIs and 9 T20Is—accumulating only 30 runs in ODIs at a disappointing average of 7.50, while his T20 average stands at 14.00 with just 126 runs. Despite these statistics, he has not yet achieved a half-century or century. However, his recent success at the Emerging Asia Cup, where he led Pakistan to victory against India in the final, has positioned him as a potentially exciting, albeit risky, choice for captaincy.
The Steady Presence of Mohammad Rizwan
In contrast, Mohammad Rizwan brings a wealth of experience to the table, having played a total of 32 Tests, 74 ODIs, and 102 T20 matches for Pakistan. He is one of the few players currently participating in all three formats of the game. Rizwan also possesses prior captaincy experience, notably in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he has previously led his team to championship glory. Given his established track record, he is viewed as a reliable choice for leading the ODI team, especially in these turbulent times for Pakistan cricket.
The Road Ahead for Pakistan Cricket
As the PCB prepares to make these crucial decisions, the future direction of the Pakistan cricket team hangs in the balance. The appointment of new captains could signal a shift towards rejuvenating the team with fresh tactics and youthful energy. The dual leadership approach—entrusting the senior team to Rizwan while giving the younger Haris a chance to grow—could pave the way for a more balanced and competitive squad. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how these changes impact Pakistan’s performance on the international stage.
In conclusion, the resignation of Babar Azam from the captaincy opens up new possibilities for Pakistan cricket. With Rizwan’s seasoned experience and Haris’s youthful vigor, the PCB seems poised to take strategic steps toward revitalizing a team that aims to reclaim its position among the elite in world cricket.
