The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made a bold move, reinstating Babar Azam returns as the nation’s white-ball captain just in time for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024. Babar Azam, a world-class batter, is poised to lead Pakistan’s charge at this pivotal tournament.

This captaincy change comes after the PCB’s selection committee unanimously supported Azam’s return. In a statement, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi officially confirmed the appointment: “Babar Azam [will be] the white-ball (ODI and T20I) captain of the Pakistan men’s cricket team.”

Azam previously stepped down from the leadership role following Pakistan’s performance at the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India. Shaheen Shah Afridi initially took over as T20I captain, with Shan Masood leading in Test cricket.

 

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Afridi’s leadership debut in a T20I series against New Zealand saw less-than-ideal outcomes. In a show of support, however, Afridi stated, “It is my duty to back our captain, Babar Azam… We are all one. Our aim is the same, to help Pakistan become the best team in the world.”

Azam reciprocated the sentiment, stating, “I have always valued [Shaheen’s] input and will keep consulting him for important decisions… Our joint aim is to make this team the best in the world.”

Azam’s first test as reinstated captain will be the upcoming home T20I series against New Zealand. With the T20 World Cup looming, Pakistan will look to Azam’s leadership experience to help them reach peak performance. Fans will surely be watching closely, especially considering Pakistan’s successful run to the finals in the 2022 T20 World Cup under Azam.

The T20 World Cup will shift to the USA and West Indies, where Pakistan will face tough competition in Group A against India, Ireland, Canada, and the USA.