As speculations surrounding Babar Azam’s captaincy in Test cricket continue to grow, former all-rounder Abdul Razzaq has named three potential candidates to take over the role. While discussing the matter on “Haarna Mana Hay,” Razzaq suggested that Sarfaraz Ahmed, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shan Masood are all viable options for the captaincy.
Razzaq emphasized that a captain should not only be a talented cricketer but also a good person who can effectively lead and support the team. He believes that these three individuals possess both the cricketing skills and the personal qualities necessary for effective leadership and player management.
Babar Azam assumed the role of Test captain in 2020 when he was appointed by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), succeeding Azhar Ali. During his tenure, Azam has led the team in 20 Test matches, achieving ten victories, suffering six defeats, and playing to four draws. However, his recent performance as captain, especially in the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023, has come under scrutiny.
Criticism from fans and former cricketers regarding his captaincy skills has intensified as Pakistan finds itself on the verge of elimination from the prestigious tournament. To advance to the semi-finals, Pakistan now needs to win their remaining three matches in the World Cup and rely on favorable outcomes in other fixtures.
Remaining Matches for Pakistan in ICC World Cup 2023:
- October 31: Pakistan vs. Bangladesh in Kolkata
- November 4: Pakistan vs. New Zealand in Bengaluru (Day match)
- November 11: Pakistan vs. England in Kolkata
Despite the current challenges, the squad is preparing for these crucial matches, hoping to turn the tide in their favor. The team includes talented players who are determined to give their best for Pakistan:
Pakistan Squad for ICC World Cup 2023:
- Babar Azam (Captain)
- Abdullah Shafique
- Fakhar Zaman
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper)
- Shadab Khan
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Usama Mir
- Haris Rauf
- Mohammad Wasim Jr.
- Hasan Ali
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Saud Shakeel
- Salman Ali Agha
Additionally, the team has traveling reserves:
- Mohammad Haris
- Abrar Ahmed
- Zaman Khan
While the cricketing world eagerly anticipates the outcome of Pakistan’s World Cup journey, the question of Test captaincy remains a topic of discussion. As cricket enthusiasts look forward to an exciting showdown in the upcoming matches, the potential captaincy change could mark a new chapter in Pakistan’s cricketing history.
The opinions expressed by Abdul Razzaq have added to the intrigue surrounding this development. Fans will be keeping a close watch on how the team performs in the crucial fixtures, with hopes of a remarkable turnaround that secures Pakistan’s place in the ICC World Cup 2023 semi-finals.
