Babar Azam mulling quitting white-ball captaincy over PCB and team issues

The captian of Pakistan’s white-ball cricket team Babar Azamis considering stepping down from his leadership role following disappointment with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) and the team’s performance in the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India, as reported by Geo.

The Green Shirts find themselves on the brink of elimination from the tournament, and discontent with the PCB’s conduct and former cricketers’ behavior has reportedly prompted Babar Azam to contemplate relinquishing his captaincy.

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The reports indicate that the 29-year-old cricketer has sought guidance on his future, consulting with individuals such as former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja and others close to him. During a training session at Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, Azam specifically sought advice from Raja.

The decision on whether to continue as captain is expected to be influenced by consultations upon his return to Pakistan. Babar values the advice he receives, particularly from his father, in such matters. Close aides are reportedly advising him to step down from leadership roles in all three formats of the game.

The suggestion is rooted in the belief that prominent captains have faced challenges in Test series in Australia, prompting individuals in Babar’s inner circle to recommend his resignation from captaincy roles in both red and white-ball cricket

Originally planning to make this decision while in India, Babar has now postponed it and will finalise his choice upon returning to Pakistan. The Pakistan cricket team, under Babar’s leadership, faced setbacks against India, Australia, South Africa, and Afghanistan, with victories against the Netherlands, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and New Zealand.

Despite still having an opportunity to conclude their World Cup campaign with 10 points, Pakistan’s net run-rate is a cause for concern. To surpass New Zealand, they require a substantial victory against England.

If Pakistan bats first against England, they would need to beat them by 287 runs. If Pakistan bowls first, they must dismiss England for 50 runs and chase the target in two overs or restrict them to 100 runs in three overs.