Uncertainty surrounds Babar Azam’s future as all-format captain
Sources say that Azam could lose leadership in two formats
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to carry out an extensive review after the end of the home season, with skipper Babar Azam likely to lose captaincy in two of the three formats.
According to sources, the PCB is considering separate captains for all formats of the game with Azam likely to lead the side in only one of them.
The PCB is also considering changes in the Pakistan team management after a disappointing home season — which included a Test whitewash at the hands of England.
It must be noted that the contracts of head coach Saqlain Mushtaq and bowling coach Shaun Tait will expire on February 9, 2023.
The final decision about the changes is likely to be taken after the eight season of the Pakistan Super League (PSL) next month, the sources added.
Earlier, the PCB Management Committee, led by Najam Sethi, had also appointed Afridi as the interim chair of the Men’s National Selection Committee, after sacking chief selector Muhammad Wasim, for the home series against New Zealand.
“I feel honoured to have been assigned this responsibility by the PCB Management Committee and will leave no stone unturned in fulfilling this responsibility to the best of my abilities," Afridi was quoted as saying in a PCB press release.
“We need to get back to our winning ways and I have no doubts that through meritocratic and strategic selection decisions, we will help the national side to perform strongly in the series against New Zealand and reclaim the confidence of our fans," he added.
Other members of the panel are former cricketers Abdul Razzaq and Rao Iftikhar Anjum, while Haroon Rashid (member Management Committee) is the convener.
Pakistan will face New Zealand in the third ODI today in Karachi, with the series tied at 1-1.
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