Based on the newly established selection committee’s proposal, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) reappointed Babar Azam as T20 captain on Friday. Sources say Babar will lead the five-match T20 series against New Zealand.
Zaka Ashraf appointed Shaheen Shah Afridi as white-ball captain
The PCB under Zaka Ashraf named Shaheen Shah Afridi as white-ball captain after losing the ICC World Cup 2023. The previous administration named Shan Masood red-ball captain. Babar Azam will lead the T20 cricket team at the Kakul training camp after the selection committee unanimously recommended him to PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi.
After the development, Shaheen considered resigning as T20I captain. Sources close to the bowler urged him against it since the cricket body appoints a captain and he should accept whatever the PCB decides.
After a disastrous World Cup, Babar resigned as national team captain in all formats in November 2018. The former captain was criticized for months after Pakistan failed in the Asia Cup and maintained their poor performance in the World Cup, where they fell out before the semis.
Babar became Test captain in 2020 and white-ball captain in 2019, however, the Green Shirts have not won an ICC or Asia Cup under him. Gary Kirsten and Jason Gillespie may coach. According to insiders, the cricket board has chosen to select different coaches for white-ball and red-ball cricket, and their appointment is nearing completion.
Sources expect South African Gary Kirsten to coach white-ball cricket and Australian Jason Gillespie to red-ball. The sources stated they are discussing sports staff and domestic coaches with both coaches. They said Gillespie may take over during Kirsten’s other obligations.
