Who Can Replace Babar Azam as New Pakistan Skipper?

Babar Azam, one of Pakistan’s most talented and stylish batsmen, has been entrusted with the captaincy of the Pakistan cricket team in both One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is).

Since taking on this leadership role, Babar Azam has made significant strides in international cricket, demonstrating his ability not only as a world-class batsman but also as a promising captain.

Under Babar’s captaincy, Pakistan’s performance has shown glimpses of improvement. His calm and composed demeanour on the field have provided the team with much-needed stability.

Babar’s leadership has been marked by a focus on teamwork and a willingness to instill confidence in his players.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Babar Azam’s captaincy has been his consistency with the bat. He has been a reliable run-scorer and a leading figure in Pakistan’s batting lineup. His ability to lead from the front by setting an example with his batting has been commendable.

Babar has shown a willingness to learn and adapt as a captain, which is crucial for the growth of a team. He has led Pakistan in several challenging series, facing strong opponents, and while there have been ups and downs, his commitment to improving the team’s performance is evident.

Babar Azam’s leadership in ODI is particularly noteworthy, as Pakistan claimed the number one ranking in the ODI format under his captaincy. His shrewd captaincy in this format, along with his consistent batting, has made Pakistan a formidable ODI team.

However, the Pakistan Cricket Team has witnessed a major dip in their performance in the ongoing ODI World Cup. The loss against Afghanistan was the third consecutive loss and the team’s morale is all-time low.

As a captain, Babar Azam has to deal with the situation and take the blame for the team’s performance. A lot of cricket pundits have criticized him and have pushed the team management to look for a replacement for the skipper of the team.

Here is a list of some players who can get the job done and can take them to a new level in international cricket.

1) Shadab Khan

Shadab Khan, a talented all-rounder, is another contender. Although relatively young, his leadership qualities have been recognized. He has previously captained Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and has shown an ability to remain cool under pressure.

Shadab has already captained the Pakistan T20I team on several occasions, and he has shown that he has the leadership skills to succeed. He can motivate his teammates and get the best out of them.

Shadab is still young and inexperienced as a captain, but he has the potential to be a great captain for Pakistan. He has all the qualities that are needed for success, and he has the support of his teammates.

2) Shaheen Afridi

Shaheen has already captained the Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League to two consecutive championships in 2022 and 2023. He has shown that he has the leadership skills to succeed at the highest level.

Shaheen is a very intelligent cricketer, and he has a good understanding of the game. He can make sound tactical decisions under pressure. In addition to these qualities, Shaheen is also known for his repo among the other team players and can maintain a positive attitude in difficult situations.

3) Mohammad Rizwan

Whenever the debate over Pakistan’s cricket team captaincy continues, one name that has always emerged as a potential candidate is Mohammad Rizwan. Rizwan’s meteoric rise as a wicketkeeper-batsman has caught the attention of cricket enthusiasts worldwide.

His consistent performances with the bat and his ability to marshal the field make him a compelling choice. While Rizwan is relatively new to international cricket, his leadership qualities, composure under pressure, and dedication to the game make him a worthy contender.